27 Apr 2009

Northern Marianas lieutenant governor faces lengthy jail term after fraud convictions

7:26 pm on 27 April 2009

In the Commonwealth of the Northern Marianas, the Lieutenant Governor Timothy Villagomez has been found guilty of fraud in the federal court.

Along with the former Commerce Secretary James Santos, and Joaquina Santos, Villagomez has been convicted over a scheme to defraud the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation.

The crime involved the needless purchase of a de-scaling chemical called Rydlyme.

Villagomez, who is the brother of Joaquina Santos, the wife of James Santos, is the highest ranking Northern Marianas official to be convicted in a criminal case.

The jurors found Villagomez and James Santos guilty of conspiracy to defraud and to commit wire fraud, the theft of federal funds, and bribery involving federal funds.

Joaquina Santos was found guilty of conspiracy to defraud, aiding and abetting theft of federal funds, and bribery involving federal funds.

Villagomez faces up to 20 years in jail.