Zoning Board employee arrested for bribery

An employee of the Saipan Zoning Board Office was arrested Friday for allegedly soliciting a $200 bribe from a businessman in exchange for not citing his business due to noncompliance with zoning rules on banner signs.

Jeffrey Dela Cruz, of Papago, was arrested by members of the Attorney General’s Investigative Unit on Friday at 1:39pm in Dandan.

A $10,000 cash bail was initially imposed for Dela Cruz’s temporary liberty. At yesterday’s hearing, Superior Court associate judge Kenneth Govendo imposed $1,000 cash bail plus $9,000 in unsecured bond for the defendant’s temporary release.

Govendo set the arraignment for April 13 at 9am.

The judge ordered Dela Cruz not to contact Zhi Guang Li and stay away from Li’s business, Z.Y. Li Corp., which owns Vegetables Plus in Puerto Rico. Govendo also barred Dela Cruz from contacting Li’s two brothers.

AGO investigator Edward A. Pua stated in his report that on Feb. 25, 2009, he and another investigator interviewed Li, a Chinese, at the AGO’s Investigative Unit/Immigration Enforcement Office on Capital Hill.

In the interview, Li stated that, on Feb. 17, 2009, at 11am, members of the Saipan Zoning Board conducted an inspection at Vegetables Plus.

Pua said Dela Cruz, a Zoning employee, told Li he was not complying with regulations by having an illegal banner sign.

Dela Cruz allegedly demanded $100 from Li and that if he refuses, Dela Cruz would issue a citation for noncompliance with the zoning regulations.

Li stated that he told Dela Cruz that he could only pay $50. Dela Cruz was allegedly not happy with the offer and informed Li that he would return.

On Feb. 21, 2009, at 1pm, Dela Cruz allegedly came to the establishment and stated he could help Li with the requirements and paperwork. Li allegedly gave $50 to Dela Cruz, who left after getting the money. After 10 minutes, Dela Cruz returned to the store and allegedly asked for $150 more from Li.

Li stated that Dela Cruz assured him that all requirements and paperwork, including the citation dated Feb, 3, 2009, would be waived if Li pays the $150. Dela Cruz allegedly assured that he would talk to his supervisor so that all requirements concerning Li’s illegal banner sign will be waived.

Li strongly believes his company has already complied with the regulations.

On Feb. 27, 2009, Pua secured an eavesdropping warrant, which was authorized by the Superior Court, to record the conversation between Li and Dela Cruz.

On March 3, 2009, Pua said, the recorded conversation between Li and Dela Cruz showed Dela Cruz admitting that he had received $200 as payment from Li.

In addition, Pua said, Dela Cruz stated in the recorded conversation that should Li report the $200 bribe to authorities, Dela Cruz would have some of his family members—who are allegedly members of a mafia—retaliate against Li and his family.

Attorney Eric Smith served as counsel for the defendant at the hearing. Special assistant attorney general Joseph J. Przyuski represented the government.