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CUC relying on court to recover Rydlyme money
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Posted on May 07 2009
Commonwealth Utilities Corp. executive director Antonio S. Muña yesterday said they leave it up to the federal court to recover money from former Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Villagomez, his sister Joaquina Santos, and her husband, former Secretary James Santos, who were found guilty of defrauding CUC through needless purchases of a de-scaling chemical called Rydlyme.
Muña said CUC’s focus is to rehabilitate its power plants.
“We still need three engines to bring online. We can’t lose sight of that particular goal so we’re really leaving those kinds of decisions with the court,” he added.
Muña could not say how much will and can be recovered. He, however, said that CUC will use the Rydlyme stockpiled on Rota and Saipan.
He added that the “proper checks and balances are in place” at CUC to prevent corruption. Muna added that audits will uncover similar issues.
U.S. District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Alex R. Munson set the sentencing for July 28, 2009, in the Villagomez and Santos couple case.
Villagomez, James Santos, and Joaquina Santos were found guilty of conspiracy to defraud and to commit offenses against the U.S., wire fraud, theft concerning a program receiving federal funds, and bribery concerning a program receiving federal funds. Joaquina Santos was also found guilty of aiding and abetting to commit theft concerning a program receiving federal funds.
