Former NMC president to testify in SU trial

Northern Marianas College founding president Agnes McPhetres is expected to testify in federal court within the week—most likely today—to give her account as adviser for Saipan University founder Soon Kyung Park.

Park is on jury trial for multiple fraud charges for alleged illegal transport of students to Saipan from China last year and misrepresentation, among other things.

McPhetres’ name has come out as among the main local proponents who helped Park establish SU.

McPhetres, who left NMC about four years ago, worked as consultant for SU, doing most of its application requirements to have its license and learning designation status in the CNMI approved.

The prosecution, led by assistant U.S. Attorney Patrick Smith told the court Friday that his team would want to present McPhetres on the witness stand today.

During the testimony of former SU president Jullie Ulloa, she said that it was McPhetres, her former NMC boss, who introduced her to Park.

Ulloa also testified that she would always consult with McPhetres on issues pertaining to SU including its problems with alleged misrepresentation in China, and the lack of resources and equipment to begin an education program.

Acting immigration director Antonio Sablan said that McPhetres had regularly met with him last year to follow up on the permit applications of SU students.

Sablan said that McPhetres would come three times a week and spend about 30 minutes to an hour discussing SU matters with him.

Sablan said that he clearly told McPhetres that employment is prohibited in the CNMI.

Park had brought some 100 students from China last year for a work-study program on Saipan.

Most of the students remain on island to pursue a fraud case against Park.

They said they spent $5,000 to $10,000 to get to Saipan including a $3,550 tuition paid to Park for fall semester.

The students claimed that Park promised them employment, which would earn them up to $1,500 a month in the CNMI.

Aside from McPhetres, other witnesses expected to appear in court are former president Jess Taisague and other key staff including some faculty.

The names of former lawmakers Herman Palacios and Oscar Rasa were also dragged in last week’s testimonies.

Ulloa said that Palacios provided housing to some SU students at his HerJoy Apartment in San Antonio.

The congressman was then the chairman of the House committee on labor and immigration.

Ulloa also indicated that Palacios and Rasa were giving advice to SU representatives and officials when it faced various complaints from students.

Ulloa testified that Palacios had discussed study-work program options with SU to resolve students’ complaints about the lack of work on the island.