Previous Story
BREAKING NEWS: Board of Parole votes to support commutation of sentence for Fitial
The CNMI Board of Parole unanimously decided this afternoon, Tuesday, to support a commutation of sentence that was imposed on convicted former governor Benigno R. Fitial, who was ordered last week to start serving his one-year prison term on or before July 6, 2015.
The five-member board chaired by Ramon B. Camacho came up with a decision after listening to testimonies and reading letters from people who either supported for pardon or objected to such pardon during a hearing held at Pedro P. Tenorio Multi-Purpose in Susupe.
Camacho and the board’s legal counsel explained that a commutation of sentence means a reduction of sentence.
It means that jail time or fine could be removed, or both, but the beneficiary of the commutation is still considered convicted of the offense.
The board also unanimously voted to object the granting of absolute pardon for Fitial.
The 69-year-old Fitial failed to attend the hearing due to his health condition. His counsel Stephen Nutting attended the hearing packed mostly by family members, relatives, and friends of the former chief executive.
The board decided to conduct the hearing after Gov. Eloy S. Inos requested the board last June 22 or two days before the sentencing, for a consultation on whether or not grant a pardon to Fitial.
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.
More details to follow.
