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Atalig appeals 10-day sentence
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Posted on Sep 27 2000
Former Coastal Resources Management Office Director Felipe Q. Atalig yesterday appealed before the Superior Court for a stay of his 10-day jail sentence which is scheduled to begin on Sept. 29.
Mr. Atalig was found guilty of misconduct in public office, assault and battery and disturbing the peace. The charges were brought by Mina Muna, an administrative secretary at CRMO who accused Mr. Atalig of sexual harassment more than a year ago.
In a motion filed through counsel Michael W. Dotts, Mr. Atalig said the punishment imposed by the court “for the first time misdemeanor offenses is excessive.”
Mr. Atalig said he should be given the opportunity to pursue a meaningful appeal thus, a stay of the entire sentence must be granted. Furthermore, Mr. Atalig claimed there is no evidence to prove that he is a danger to any person or to the community and that he is a flight risk.
In fact, Mr. Atalig has made several trips abroad for business purposes before the case went to trial and even went on another trip after he was convicted.
Mr. Atalig claimed that had the court allowed the defense to introduce the amount being claimed by Ms. Muna before the Equal Employment Opportunity Commission, the victim’s credibility would have been in question and would have resulted in a not guilty verdict on all counts.
Superior Court Associate Judge Juan T. Lizama has also placed Mr. Atalig under house arrest for 75 days to be served both in Saipan and Rota. He will also perform 160 hours of community service in Rota, where the crime was committed.
Mr. Atalig was directed to pay a fine of $6,500 in 30 days and placed under probation for three-and-a-half years. (LFR)
