Shayne Villanueva asks court for travel authorization

Shayne Blanco Villanueva, who is currently facing contempt charges for refusing to answer questions during a legislative investigation on the previous administration’s Building Optimism, Opportunity, and Stability Together grant program, has asked the court for a bail modification allowing him to travel off-island for business.

Villanueva appeared before Superior Court Presiding Judge Roberto Naraja for a bail modification hearing last Tuesday and sought for his passport to be returned to him and to allow him to travel off-island for business.

Villanueva tearfully shared that his business in the CNMI is struggling because his reputation has been ruined.

“Not having my passport is like handcuffing me. My reputation, even after all the volunteering that I’ve done, is pretty much ruined at this point. I’m doing my best to try to maintain my businesses to pay my bills. It’s difficult at this time, for me. I promise to come back, I’m not leaving for vacation. This is something that I need, I don’t have a daytime job,” he said.

Villanueva shared that he has two business trips in the next few weeks and promises to provide the court with his travel itinerary and ticket.

After hearing from both parties, Naraja granted Villanueva’s request and authorized the release of his passport.

In an interview with assistant attorney general James Kingman, he said the application for bail modification was reasonable.

“I didn’t really oppose it. The point of bail conditions is to guarantee a compliance with the court’s orders and with appearance with court. Mr. Villanueva hasn’t given any indication that he isn’t going to comply with the court’s conditions. I think it’s a fair accommodation by the court,” he said.

The court also set Villanueva’s case for trial in October.

Kingman shared that it hasn’t been determined if it will be a jury or bench trial but because the charge is a misdemeanour it’s most likely going to be a bench trial.