Fitial likely to attend today’s pardon hearing

Attorney Stephen Nutting, counsel for former governor Benigno R. Fitial, said yesterday that there is a substantial likelihood that Fitial will attend the Board of Parole’s hearing for his pardon set to commence today, Tuesday, at 9am, at the Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose Center in Susupe.

Gov. Eloy S. Inos wrote a letter to Board of Parole chair Ramon B. Camacho, requesting for an initial and immediate consultation with the board to discuss the possible options available to him in the exercise of his constitutional power to grant pardon. Inos said such consultation will assist him in making the “right decision.”

The letter, a copy of which was obtained by Saipan Tribune from the Board of Parole’s Office yesterday, showed that Inos made such request to the Board last June 22 or two days before Superior Court Associate Judge David A. Wiseman sentenced the 69-year-old Fitial to a one-year prison term.

“If this consultation meeting can be arranged at the earliest possible date, I would appreciate it very much,” Inos said in the letter.

In a phone interview yesterday, Nutting said they are very hopeful that the Board of Parole will support Fitial’s pardon.

Nutting said the letters of support for Fitial’s pardon were submitted to the Board of Parole as the board requested.

Nutting said before the sentencing, he received 17 or so letters of support and that he submitted them to the court.

He said the Board of Parole should have the 17 letters because they’re part of the criminal records.

A check with the Board of Parole’s Office showed that as of 3:21pm yesterday, the board’s visitors sign-in sheet indicated that there were two persons who submitted letters.

Chief parole officer Shirley Camacho-Ogumoro said they will disclose how many total letters were received at the hearing today because some of the letters were handed directly to their staff.

Camacho-Ogumoro said five board members will be answering questions from the public at the hearing.

Chair 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 Inos’ issuance of a pardon.

The board set the pardon hearing after Inos made such request for consultation.

Wiseman allowed Fitial to start serving the prison term at the Department of Corrections on or before July 6, 2015.

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.