Fitial, govt submit plea agreement
Former governor Benigno R. Fitial and the CNMI government have submitted their plea agreement to the Superior Court to resolve his criminal case without going to trial.
Saipan Tribune learned that Fitial, his counsel Stephen Nutting, and Office of the Public Auditor legal counsel George Hasselback signed the plea deal on Monday, while Chief Prosecutor Leonardo Rapadas signed it on Tuesday.
Sources said Fitial may enter a plea of guilty to two offenses—misconduct in public office and conspiracy to commit theft of services.
Fitial’s change of plea hearing will be done by international communication through Skype at 1:30pm today, Wednesday, before Associate Judge David A. Wiseman.
Fitial is reportedly currently in the Philippines for his medical rehabilitation.
More details to follow.
