Attorney General Matthew Gregory, whose tough anti-corruption efforts have at times made him a lighting rod for criticism in the CNMI, resigned from his post Sunday with plans to return to private practice as an attorney. <\/p>\n
Appointed by Gov. Benigno R. Fitial two and a half years ago, Gregory defined his term as attorney general through major prosecutions involving white-collar crimes, several successful efforts to recover millions in federal tax money owed to the CNMI, and working to help the government meet local energy needs. <\/p>\n
Under Gregory\u2019s leadership, the Attorney General\u2019s Office was deeply involved in the investigation that led to the recent federal indictment of Lt. Gov. Timothy Villagomez and three others over an alleged scheme to bilk the Commonwealth Utilities Corporation out of thousands through needless chemical purchases. <\/p>\n
Gregory announced his resignation in a statement, saying it will take effect Sept. 27. <\/p>\n
\u201cThe individuals from this office fearlessly fight to take back our Commonwealth at severe career risk,\u201d he wrote, pointing to his office\u2019s record of combating fraud and corruption. \u201cWe helped prove once and for all that no one is immune from prosecution, although it has resulted in vicious criticism by those who don\u2019t support such efforts.\u201d<\/p>\n
As AG, Gregory said in the statement, his office has won major monetary awards on behalf of the Commonwealth through litigation with the Internal Revenue Service, cases that brought $33 million into the government\u2019s coffers at a time when cuts had scaled back its budget by 20 percent. <\/p>\n
At the height of Saipan\u2019s electric power crisis, Gregory\u2019s office also became a major proponent of alternative energy by working with the Fitial administration on the development of geothermal power and soon to be finalized regulations letting the private sector supply power to CUC through a process known as net metering. <\/p>\n
Moreover, the AG\u2019s investigators have seen significant strides fighting crimes like copper wire theft, marriage fraud, and corruption among government officials, Gregory noted, giving thanks to his staff and Fitial for their support. <\/p>\n
After the release of his statement, Gregory said in an interview that his resignation comes after lengthy talks with the governor. <\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ve actually stayed on a little longer to address a few things,\u201d he said, noting continued litigation with the IRS and the pending release of net metering rules. \u201cI am happy to have served the Commonwealth but I also think it\u2019s time for me to move on with my life.\u201d<\/p>\n
Gregory acknowledged that the work he has done during his term as attorney general often sparked criticism but his staff has nevertheless put their careers on the line to fight corruption in the CNMI. <\/p>\n
\u201cA lot of the charges we have made are against some of the most powerful families in the CNMI, and so everybody gets worried about that,\u201d he said. \u201cBut the thing I love about the office is that people are willing to take that risk. Few people in the community understand that but it really is a courage that they have that they\u2019re often not thanked for.\u201d<\/p>\n
Looking ahead, Gregory said the federal takeover of local labor rules on the horizon and economic troubles pose major challenges for the CNMI but there is reason for optimism, such as increased tourism and the prospect Asiana Airlines may soon provide additional flight service to the Commonwealth. <\/p>\n
\u201cWhile federalization has the capacity to damage the economy of the Commonwealth, we have increasing tourism numbers and you\u2019ll soon find out there is going to be a significant increase in flights,\u201d he said. \u201cI believe we may see 19 additional flights in the next few months. So it\u2019s a couple steps forward and one step back. Federalization is a negative but there are positives developing in parallel.\u201d<\/p>\n
Fitial, he added, will likely appoint a new attorney general in the near future.<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"
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