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Ernest resigns as chief prosecutor—sources
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Posted on Nov 02 2011
Michael L. Ernest has resigned as chief prosecutor of the Office of the Attorney General’s Criminal Division, Saipan Tribune learned.
Multiple sources from the legal community and the OAG disclosed since last week that Ernest had already submitted his resignation letter to Attorney General Edward T. Buckingham.
Ernest refused to comment yesterday. Buckingham did not reply to two emails requesting comment about Ernest’s resignation.
According to sources, Ernest’s last day as chief prosecutor was yesterday and that he is now using all his available leave time.
Ernest, however, will remain at the OAG and will possibly work in the Civil Division, at least two lawyers told Saipan Tribune over the weekend.
The reason behind Ernest’s resignation was not immediately clear.
Sources said that Ernest has enjoyed strong support from fellow prosecutors and staff because of his professionalism in running the OAG’s Criminal Division.
Under Ernest’s term, problems relating to case backlogs was addressed and the age of cases was significantly reduced.
Buckingham appointed Ernest as chief prosecutor in June 2010 after Rosemond B. Santos resigned from the post.
Prior to joining the OAG, Ernest served as Senate legal counsel for five years.
