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In Hawaii Prominent NMI residents face sexual assault raps
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Posted on Feb 15 2001
News of former local residents charged with sexual assault of a child before a Hawaii court jolted the CNMI community, sending gasps of disbelief that members of two of the islands’ most prominent families could be incriminated on allegations of perversion.
Married couple Victor Flores, 38, from Saipan and Celeste Mendiola Flores, 36, from Rota were brought before the Oahu, Hawaii grand jury late last week for charges ranging from third to first degree sexual assault of a 13-year-old child, according to a report carried by Hawaii-based online publication, Star-Bulletin.
The couple allegedly contrived to engage in oral and sexual intercourse with the minor, who has been placed legally under their care by relatives.
The child is reportedly pregnant.
Reports further state that Ms. Flores, a one-time Ms. CNMI International, allegedly directed her husband to have sex with the child on numerous occasions between July 2000 and January 31, 2001.
The news report added that on at least three occasions, Ms. Flores solicited her husband to do so while she observed. Sometimes, the news article added, the female defendant would even join in.
A member of the prominent Mendiola family of Rota, Ms. Flores ran for a Rota congressional seat in 1997 under the Democratic Party but lost.
Mr. Flores’ family owns several businesses on Saipan.
The couple operates L&F Gifts International based in Hawaii, an importer and wholesaler of gift items. They reportedly have three children who have all been taken under the custody of the Hawaii Child Protective Services.
The 13-year-old victim has been placed under protective custody since Jan. 31 after the tormented eighth-grader told school authorities that her guardian had made her pregnant, said the Star-Bulletin report.
Ms. Flores is said to be nine months pregnant herself and reportedly initiated efforts for the pregnant minor to undergo abortion. After, she was supposed to be sent back to her biological mother.
The couple was arrested last Feb. 1 and were transported to the Oahu Community Correctional Center. A $250,000 cash-only bail has been set for their temporary release.
