Detained ex-Beilida staff taken to hospital many times for severe anxiety, depression

Xiufang Qi, a 46-year-old Chinese national who pleaded guilty in connection with her role in supervising illegal Chinese workers of a company engaged in the construction of Imperial Pacific International (CNMI) LLC’s casino and resort in Garapan, is experiencing severe anxiety and depression as a result of her arrest and detention.

Steven P. Pixley, counsel for Qi, informed the U.S. District Court for the NMI last Wednesday that Qi has been treated at the Commonwealth Health Center on several occasions since Oct. 16, 2017.

Pixley’s client was again transported to CHC last Tuesday and referred for therapy because of her severe anxiety and depression.

In addition, the lawyer said, Qi’s antidepressant medication was increased to 200mg.

Qi’s medical condition arose after Pixley made a motion for her release from custody pending her sentencing.

Qi’s sentencing has been reset from April 27 to June 1, 2018. She pleaded guilty last Oct. 13 to harboring illegal aliens. She began serving time at the Department of Corrections last Oct. 16, but now wants to self-surrender so that she could obtain credit toward her sentencing.

Pixley said during her past six months of incarceration, Qi fully complied with all applicable rules and regulations.

Prior to her arrest on April 5, 2017, Qi was employed by Beilida Nanjing Corp., which was engaged in construction activities at the Imperial Pacific Resort/Casino in Garapan.

On April 14, 2017, Qi was released from custody following a detention hearing.

Pixley said Qi seeks release on the same terms as prior to her self-surrender on Oct. 16, 2017.

Pixley said Qi’s release from custody will reduce her level of anxiety. This will also allow her to more easily obtain treatment at CHC.

Pixley said he met Wednesday with Georgia Cabrera, the acting Department of Corrections commissioner, who was extremely helpful.

Pixley said Cabrera expressed concerns about Qi after receiving her medical records.

According to the plea agreement, between Feb. 7, 2017 and March 22, 2017, Qi supervised a large number of aliens working at the Best Sunshine casino and resort/hotel construction site.

Among the over 100 aliens that Qi supervised were four Chinese nationals who had unlawfully remained after their conditional parole had expired.