(22nd House Leadership) — Gov. Ralph Deleon Guerrero Torres on Friday afternoon was charged by the CNMI Office of the Attorney General for misconduct in public office, theft and contempt.
The misconduct and theft charges center on Governor Torres’ acquisition of business-class or first-class airfare using public funds for himself and his wife, Diann Tudela Torres, between April 2018 and May 2019.
Governor Torres was also charged for contempt for his failure to appear in compliance with a subpoena during the House of Representatives Judiciary and Governmental Operations hearings in December 2021.
In total, Governor Torres was charged with 14 criminal counts.
Judiciary and Governmental Operations Chairwoman Celina Babauta, whose committee conducted the investigation into Governor Torres’ irregular travel expenses, reimbursements, and utility payments, thanked the Office of the Attorney General for filing charges.
“My colleagues and I have maintained that no person is above the law. We wholeheartedly thank the Office of the Attorney General for acting in the interest of justice for our people. The charges filed in Superior Court this afternoon give us hope as a Commonwealth,” she said.
Vice Speaker Blas Jonathan “BJ” Attao expressed his appreciation for the community’s patience and the diligent work by members of the CNMI Legislature.
“This has been a difficult journey for the people of the CNMI who have been patiently waiting for something to come of the investigatory process. This is truly a step towards achieving justice. I would like to thank the members of the 21st Legislature who first brought these issues to light. The work they started paved the road for this victory. I would also like to thank JGO Chairwoman Celina Babauta for making this matter a priority in the 22nd Legislature,” he said.
Rep. Tina Sablan noted the articles of impeachment and the impeachment record transmitted to the Senate encompass all of the criminal violations of law alleged in the attorney general’s filing.
“We hope this development will encourage the Senate to revisit their decision to proceed with the Impeachment trial without any House prosecutors or the impeachment record,” she said.
