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Case vs ex-Rota DCCA chief Manglona is dropped
Superior Court Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho dismissed yesterday the criminal charges against former Rota Department of Community and Cultural Affairs resident director Josepha Barcinas Manglona.
Camacho dismissed without prejudice the case against the 53-year-old Manglona at the request of the Office of the Attorney General. Dismissal without prejudice means the prosecution may re-file the case in the future.
In granting the OAG’s motion to dismiss, Camacho vacated the bench trial scheduled for Oct. 15, 2015.
Assistant attorney general Matthew C. Baisley said the government believes the case should be dismissed in the interest of justice.
Baisley said Manglona has no objections to the motion.
Last week, Camacho rejected the second proposed plea deal that recommended a suspended sentence for Manglona, saying that imposing no jail time will have no rehabilitative, deterrence, retribution, or incapacitation effect on Manglona, considering that she is accused of using her position as Rota director of Aging to enrich herself.
The judge also noted Manglona’s prior criminal history.
Camacho rejected the first proposed plea deal in August, finding it too lenient as it recommended a mere $50 fine and no prison term.
Last Sept. 22, Baisley requested to reduce the original five criminal charges against Manglona to two. Camacho granted the request.
The amended information charges Manglona with theft by unlawful taking or disposition and possession or removal of government property.
Camacho said the allegations are that Manglona used her position as director or Aging to enrich herself by trading a publicly owned pool table in exchange for hollow blocks to build her house.
He said the pool table was being used at the Aging Center, a place that the CNMI’s elderly go to receive services as well as enjoy their golden years.
