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Teachers ask court to declare SU founder in default
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Posted on Feb 24 2005
Teachers and employees of the defunct Saipan University have asked the Superior Court to declare SU and its founder, Soon Kyung Park, of default in a civil lawsuit that seeks monetary damages.
The employees’ attorney, Colin M. Thompson, said SU and Park failed to respond to an amended complaint that he filed with the court last Jan. 18. Thompson said a copy of the amended complaint was served on SU and Park the following day.
Thompson said the 10-day period within which Park and SU should file a responsive pleading fell on Jan. 30.
The employees include Franklin R. Perez, Christi Omengebar, Anna Ludwick, Balbina Perez, Douglas Palacios, and Troy Palacios.
The employees claimed that SU offered them employment sometime in September 2003. They said they accepted the employment offer and began working for the university, setting aside efforts to seek or accept alternative employment.
In September and October 2003, the university and its officers executed written contracts employing the teachers and staff for one year, according to Thompson. SU, however, instructed the teachers and staff in December of that year not to return for work until notified otherwise.
Thompson accused SU’s management of deceiving the teachers and staff. The university allegedly breached the employees’ employment contracts by failing to provide continuous work and compensation.
The U.S. District Court had sentenced Park to nine years and one month in prison for defrauding at least 88 students whom he recruited from China to enroll at the university in 2003. The federal court had also directed Park to pay restitution to the 88 students in the total amount of $567,432.
Also facing civil action at the Superior Court is former SU president Jesus Taisague, who wants the case against him dismissed.
