Ex-disconnection crew gets 3 years in prison

Superior Court Associate Judge Ramona V. Manglona yesterday imposed a three-year prison term on a former Commonwealth Utilities Corp. disconnection crew member who was among those involved in a disconnection scam.

Manglona sentenced Francisco F. Faisao to five years in prison, all suspended except for three years, for violating the CUC Code.

The 41-year-old Faisao was given the ability to apply for parole.

Manglona ordered the defendant to pay a $500 fine and set a restitution hearing.

After serving his prison term, Faisao will be placed on probation.

Special Assistant Attorney General William Downer told Saipan Tribune after the hearing that the government had recommended a five-year term.

“However, in light of the judge’s explanation in which she took into account all the different sentencing factors such as deterrent value, the level of Frank Faisao’s culpability in comparison to his co-defendants in the same case, the prosecution is happy with the judge’s sentence,” Downer said.

“In light of all the co-defendants acceptance of responsibility, the judge recognized that distinction and based the severity of Mr. Faisao’s sentence accordingly,” he added.

Defense lawyer Edward Arriola Sr. refused to comment.

Manglona dismissed in November 2008 one count of theft of services and two counts of conspiracy to commit theft of services filed against Faisao.

Manglona made the decision after the Attorney General’s Office moved to drop those charges with finality.

Of the five defendants, only Faisao proceeded to trial. During the bench trial in December, Manglona found Faisao guilty of one count of violation of the CUC Code.

According to court records, Faisao allegedly got $1,096.85 in the scam.

Manglona last week imposed a three-year prison term on former CUC Credit and Collections Division supervisor Elaine Quitugua Terlaje for violating the CUC Code.

“This whole conspiracy that lasted for years could not have been possible without Ms. Terlaje’s involvement and permission,” said Manglona in a written order.

On May 24, 2007, authorities arrested the five CUC employees. In exchange for cash, they conspired to reconnect individuals who have been disconnected or did not disconnect delinquent accounts.

Former CUC disconnection crew Ricardo C. Sablan pleaded guilty to misconduct in public office. Former customer service representative Rita I. Tarope and former disconnection crew Joaquin Elameto Norita pleaded guilty to violating the CUC Code.

Sablan was given one-day prison term. Tarope’s sentencing was set for April 1. Norita was sentenced to six months in prison without the possibility of parole.