Board of Parole schedules pardon hearing for Fitial

The CNMI Board of Parole has arranged a pardon hearing for Benigno R. Fitial a day after Superior Court Associate Judge David A. Wiseman imposed a one-year prison sentence on the 69-year-old former governor.

Board of Parole chair Ramon B. Camacho yesterday placed a newspaper announcement for the pardon hearing at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe on June 30 at 9am and, if necessary, the following day, July 1, at 9am.

In the announcement, Camacho said the board will be considering whether to support or object to a pardon for Fitial.

Camacho said after hearing public testimony and discussing the matter, the board will then vote on whether to support or object to Gov. Eloy S. Inos’ issuance of a pardon.

The chairman urged anyone wishing to submit a written statement to the board for its consideration may do so by dropping it off in person at the Board of Parole Office on Capitol Hill prior to the June 30 hearing.

In a phone interview, Camacho said an individual requested the board to hold a pardon hearing so they have to act on it by setting a public hearing. For the meantime, he refused to identify the individual who made such a request.

Camacho said pursuant to the constitution, the governor has to consult with the board on the issue of granting pardon to Fitial.

“Because there is a request for that, so the governor has to consult with the Board of Parole,” the chairman said.

Wiseman allowed Fitial to start serving the prison term at the Department of Corrections on or before July 6, 2015. The judge so ordered after attorney Stephen Nutting, counsel for Fitial, informed the court that the former governor needs to go back to the Philippines in the next few days for his ongoing medical rehabilitation/treatment.

“Such conduct cannot, should not, and will not be tolerated and the proverbial message must be sent that government officials who betray the public trust by violating the laws of the CNMI will in all likelihood go to jail,” Wiseman said.

Fitial signed a plea agreement with the government and pleaded guilty last May 13 to misconduct in public office and conspiracy to commit theft of services. While Nutting said they are extremely disappointed with the prison sentence, the former governor refused to comment as he walked out from Wiseman’s courtroom after the hearing on Wednesday.