Former CNMI mayor gets suspended sentence

12:31 pm on 8 March 2017

A former Northern Marianas mayor Melchor Mendiola has escaped jail time over charges of removing government property.

The Northern Marianas District Court.

Photo: CNMI govt

The CNMI Superior Court sentenced the former mayor of Rota to six months in prison, all suspended, after he pleaded no contest to the charge.

According to the plea deal, Mendiola removed without authority, several serving tables owned by the government.

The Office of Public Auditor initiated the investigation after receiving a letter from Rota Mayor Efrain Atalig, asking it to investigate questionable transactions.

Mr Atalig discovered government property such as laptops and other items were unaccounted for or missing.

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