Prosecution proposes 37 new counts vs ex-governor Torres

Ralph DLG Torres

The prosecution in the criminal case against former governor Ralph DLG Torres is proposing 37 new counts against the former governor. In addition, the prosecution is proposing to refile the previously dismissed contempt charge against Torres.

According to a proposed amended information, the prosecution, led by special prosecutor James Kingman, is looking at filing 37 additional charges against Torres to include misconduct in public office, perjury, and theft charges. The prosecution is also looking at refiling the previously dismissed contempt charge.

Saipan Tribune managed to obtain a copy of a proposed amended information. The court, however, has yet to officially accept and approve the proposed amended information.

Torres’ defense team opposes the prosecution’s request to amend the charges against the former governor.

The proposed amended information cites 24 new counts of misconduct in public office, 11 counts of perjury, one count of theft by deception, and one count of theft of utility services.

The proposed amended information cites three new counts of misconduct in public office relating to the issuance of airline tickets for business class, first class, or other premium class travel for himself from February 2016 to June 2017.

The prosecution cited two counts of misconduct in public office relating to the use of public funds, time, personnel, or equipment for political or campaign activities.

In addition, Torres possibly faces 11 counts of misconduct in public office in relation to memorandums submitted to former Finance secretaries David Atalig and Larissa Larson to authorize reimbursement.

Torres also possibly faces four counts of misconduct in public office in relation to his alleged involvement in the release of a captive deer, one count of misconduct in public office for allegedly authorizing a special permit for out-of-season collection of coconut crabs, one count of misconduct in public office for allegedly issuing a special permit to land on Asuncion Island and finally one count of misconduct in public office in relation to the authorization to use government vehicles for purposes other than official government business.

The special prosecutor also proposes 11 counts of perjury in relation to false declarations made on memorandums submitted to Atalig and Larson to authorize reimbursement.

According to the proposed amended information, the special prosecution also alleges theft by deception in relation to fraudulent reimbursement memos; and theft of utilities services for allegedly obtaining utility services for himself in the amount of $20,000 under the color of office.

The initial information against Torres involved 12 counts of misconduct in public office and one count of theft relating to the issuance of airline tickets for business class, first class, or other premium class travel for himself and/or first lady Diann T. Torres.

The prosecution also alleged one count of contempt for failure to appear in compliance with a subpoena but Superior Court judge pro tem Alberto Tolentino has since dismissed that charge.