The former governor of the Northern Marianas will not face any jail time, as his sentence has been commuted in full.
Former CNMI governor Benigno Fitial Photo: RNZ Mark Rabago
Governor Eloy Inos signed the order, saying the decision to allow the 69 year old to stay home was not an easy one.
He mentioned Fitial's years of service to the Northern Marianas and said citizens should put the episode behind them.
Early last month Fitial pleaded guilty to the charges of misconduct in public office and conspiracy to commit theft of services while he was the governor in 2013.
He was the first chief executive of the Commonwealth to be convicted.
The Superior Court Associate Judge David Wiseman imposed the one-year prison sentence on Fitial, as well as a $6,000 fine and a lifetime ban from public service.
