EAGI probes charges vs. Wiseman

The powerful Senate Committee on Executive Appointments and Governmental Investigations will closely examine allegations leveled against lawyer David A. Wiseman before confirming his nomination as Superior Court associate judge.

“I’m not going to take them lightly. These are serious allegations that the committee should look into,” said EAGI chair Sen. Joaquin G. Adriano yesterday.

He disclosed the committee would decide later this week to set a confirmation hearing where Mr. Wiseman would be afforded an opportunity to respond to the accusations.

“That will be the most appropriate time for him to answer these allegations and we owe him to hold a public hearing on the appointment,” added the senator from Tinian.

Noting these are just charges brought to the attention of the Senate and the governor, Mr. Adriano expressed confidence on Mr. Wiseman’s capability to become a judge.

“I still maintain that confidence, but we need to be fair so we really have to consider these allegations,” he explained. “We will await until we hear his side of the story.”

The committee has received copies of the two letters blocking Mr. Wiseman’s appointment which, according to Mr. Adriano, will have to be tackled with all the members.

Mr. Wiseman was named by Gov. Pedro P. Tenorio early this month to fill a seat vacated by former judge John A. Manglona when he was confirmed as Supreme Court associate justice in June 2000.

But the attorney, who’s a long-time resident in the CNMI, has come under close scrutiny over his actions committed in the past, including charges that he was involved in prostitution business.

Rep. Stanley T. Torres has written to the governor to deplore his choice for the next judge, expressing concern that his appointment may taint the integrity and credibility of the judiciary.

War veteran Guy Gabaldon has also opposed the nomination, calling Mr. Wiseman the “most infamous and disreputable Saipan attorney.

Among the allegations he raised were the lawyer’s foiled attempt to build a “whorehouse” as well as his role in attracting Chinese investments into the casino industry on the islands.

“[D]o you really think that Wiseman would mete out justice fairly, would he always have his hand in the pockets of the Yakuza [Japan’s dreaded crime syndicate] and the Chinese Communist hoods,” Mr. Gabaldon asked the governor in a letter.

Unfazed by his critics, Mr. Wiseman last week vowed to answer the allegations at a proper time when the EAGI considers his nomination.

A long-time contender to the post, Mr. Wiseman’s name was bypassed when the governor appointed lawyer Eric Smith in April last year along with former Judge Manglona. Mr. Smith was never confirmed by the Senate up until his nomination expired three months later.