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Grand jury indicts CUC applicant on wire fraud charges
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Posted on Oct 06 2011
David P. Preston, an applicant for the position of Drinking Water and Wastewater Division manager of the Commonwealth Utilities Corp. in the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands, has been indicted in wire fraud charges, according to Alicia A.G. Limtiaco, U.S. Attorney for the Districts of Guam and the Northern Mariana Islands, yesterday.
The indictment charges the defendant with four counts of wire fraud.
Preston was arrested in Houston, Texas, on Oct. 4, 2011, and will face removal proceedings to the District of the Northern Mariana Islands.
The indictment alleges that defendant obtained monies by means of material false and fraudulent pretenses, representations and promises, and by omissions of material facts. Preston allegedly sent by fax transmission his employment application, which contained false information to the CUC, caused CUC to expend monies toward his salary, and moving expenses, and the wire transfer of funds from the CUC to his personal bank account.
Wire fraud carries a maximum prison term of 20 years and a fine of up to $250,000.
The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency—Office of the Inspector General conducted this investigation, with assistance from the CNMI Office of the Public Auditor.
Members of the public are reminded that an indictment is only a charge and is not evidence of guilt. A defendant is presumed innocent and is entitled to a fair trial at which the government must prove guilt beyond a reasonable doubt. [B][I](PR)[/I][/B]
