Ex-assistant solicitor is NMI’s new chief prosecutor

Attorney N. Michele Harris

The Office of the Attorney General has hired a former assistant solicitor from the Solicitor’s Office in Athens and Lawrenceville, Georgia, to serve as the chief prosecutor at the OAG’s Criminal Division, a position that has been vacant since September 2015.

Attorney N. Michele Harris arrived on Saipan last Jan. 3 and started work last Jan. 8.

She is expected to be sworn in as a member of the CNMI Bar in the next few days.

With Harris on board, the OAG Criminal Division now has eight prosecutors.

In an interview with Saipan Tribune yesterday, Harris said one of her priorities will be just to put in place some case handling guides, to try to make the OAG Criminal Division a cohesive unit.

“We have a duty to bring forth cases that warrant prosecution. We represent the people, we represent victims. In certain cases, we are the voice for people who would otherwise not have a voice. At the end of the day, we have a duty to ensure that justice is carried out,” she said.

Harris said she has been working with Attorney General Edward Manibusan as well as the attorneys in the Criminal Division to assess what has been done, things that they can continue to do, and make some changes too, “to bring forth cases that are adequately prepared and that are in the interest of all parties concerned.”

The new chief prosecutor said it’s her first time to come to Saipan and she finds the island “incredible and really nice,” and that the people are very hospitable.

“I came with my husband and our 11-year-old daughter. We have really enjoyed just exploring the island. Seems like daily we discover some new hidden treasures…”she said.

Harris learned about the chief prosecutor position from a job search.

“Honestly I did not know a lot about the island. I did a lot of research,” said Harris, adding that her husband was excited about the opportunity.

From 2002 to 2009, Harris served as an assistant solicitor in Athens and Lawrenceville, Georgia, where she managed state court caseload of approximately 500 active cases, and participated in all stages of litigation preparation and trial. She also served as special prosecutor for domestic violence victims.

Harris’ last job was a staff counsel for Geico. She obtained her juris doctorate in 2001 at the University of Georgia School of Law in Athens, Georgia.

As soon as Edward Manibusan took office as the first elected Attorney General of the CNMI, he hired former Guam AG Leonardo M. Rapadas as chief prosecutor.

Rapadas took office as chief prosecutor in March 2015, but in September 2015 he resigned, citing personal matters in Guam. Assistant attorney general Chester Hinds was then tapped as acting chief prosecutor. Aside from Hinds, other AAGs have also been given their chance to serve as acting chief prosecutor.