Northern Marianas' Fitial to be sentenced today

6:04 am on 24 June 2015

The Former governor of the Northern Marianas, Benigno Fitial, will be sentenced today in the Superior Court for his conviction for misconduct in public office and conspiracy to commit theft.

Former governor Benigno Fitial

Former governor Benigno Fitial Photo: RNZ Mark Rabago

Fitial's lawyer, Stephen Nutting, has recommended no prison term, but says if the court determines a term should be imposed, he is requesting it be suspended in its entirety, on the condition that Fitial pay an appropriate fine, and restitution for any loss to the government.

The Office of the Public Auditor's legal counsel George Hasselback, recommends the court hand down a two-year imprisonment with no parole, while the Chief Prosecutor, Leonardo Rapadas, is recommending a sentence of more than one year in prison.