Previous Story
Kim-Tenorio recuses from Fitial case
The criminal case filed against former governor Benigno R. Fitial has been re-assigned to Superior Court Associate Judge David A. Wiseman.
Presiding Judge Robert C. Naraja re-assigned the case after Associate Judge Teresa Kim-Tenorio recused herself from presiding over the matter “in an abundance of caution to avoid any appearance of partiality.”
In an order on Wednesday, Kim-Tenorio said she served as legal counsel to the lieutenant governor during Fitial’s term as governor.
Kim-Tenorio returned the case to Naraja for reassignment to another judge.
Fitial recently left the CNMI for the Philippines, reportedly to see his doctor.
Fitial pleaded not guilty to all 10 criminal charges filed against him by the CNMI government.
The information charged the 68-year-old Fitial with one count of solicitation of escape, five counts of misconduct in public office, one count of conspiracy to commit escape, one count of use of public position to obtain benefits for business or social acquaintances, one count of conspiracy to commit theft of services, and one count of theft of services.
The charges were related to the unauthorized release of a federal inmate, award of a sole-source American Recovery and Reinvestment Act contract, and shielding of former attorney general Edward T. Buckingham from being served with penal summons.
