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Fund says former congressman ‘double dipping’
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Posted on Apr 13 2009
The NMI Retirement Fund has said that results of an internal audit found that former Rep. William Torres has been “double dipping” and asks him to return some $100,000 in retirement benefits.
Double dipping refers to the receipt of retirement benefits and an employment salary at the same time.
But Torres said he will contest the findings, a copy of which he has yet to obtain from the Fund.
“They say I’m double dipping and says about $100,000 should be recouped from me. What’s their basis? The reason I came here today is to get a copy of the internal audit findings,” he told Saipan Tribune.
Torres said he is an independent contractor for professional services. Among his current clients are the Saipan Mayor’s Office and the Saipan Municipal Council.
During the NMI Retirement Fund’s Board of Trustees meeting, chair Juan T. Guerrero confirmed that an internal audit found that Torres is double dipping, which is against the law.
Guerrero recommended that Torres seek legal counsel to present his case.
He said Torres cannot perform his independent contract service in government office.
“Your situation is not unique. This is something that we take seriously. We as trustees need to ensure we protect the Fund. You’re given the opportunity to defend yourself. There’s no determination yet. It might be prudent to get counsel,” Guerrero told Torres during the meeting.
Fund administrator Mark Aguon wrote a letter to Torres on April 1 about his double dipping, and Torres has 30 days to take action.
Aguon, meanwhile, said there are currently 28 double dipping retirees, mostly teachers at Northern Marianas College and the Public School System. These teachers are allowed by law to double dip but only for two years.
