SEVEN construction workers who have sued Imperial Pacific International over allegations of labor violations and human trafficking are asking the federal court to award them a total of $34,474 in attorneys’ fees and costs to be paid personally by IPI chairwoman Cui Li Jie.
Their lawyer, Aaron Halegua, submitted the petition for attorneys’ fees and costs on Wednesday as ordered by Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona of the District Court for the NMI.
The judge on Tuesday found IPI chairwoman Cui Li Jie in contempt of court in the lawsuit of seven construction workers for failing to comply with the subpoena served upon her.
As part of the sanctions, Judge Manglona awarded the plaintiffs attorneys’ fees for time and costs associated with preparing for the deposition and for conducting the Feb. 5, 2021 deposition.
The judge likewise awarded the plaintiffs fees and costs for preparing the motion for the court to issue the order to show cause as well as for preparing responses and for preparing for the proceedings on Tuesday.
Represented by attorneys Aaron Halegua and Bruce Berline, the seven construction workers also sued IPI’s former contractor and subcontractor, MCC International and Gold Mantis, but have already reached a settlement with them.
Judge Manglona said she will issue an order this Friday instructing Cui Li Jie to pay the imposed fees by using her personal account by March 5, 2021.
The judge said failure to pay the imposed fees may result in additional sanctions, including incarceration or jail time.
Last month, Judge Manglona found IPI, IPI Holdings Ltd. and IPI chairwoman Cui Li Jie in contempt of court for violating the previously entered consent judgment, and not paying current IPI employees for over two months.
Cui Li Jie is represented by attorney Juan Lizama, and interpreter How Yo Chi, while IPI and IPI Holdings are represented by attorney Michael Dotts.
