CNMI's lt. governor, other officials face corruption charges for alleged misuse of Rota public funds

Dennis Mendiola

By Bryan Manabat

Saipan--CNMI Lt. Gov. Dennis Mendiola and two officials are facing criminal charges for allegedly misusing public funds to rent vehicles and transport one to Rota without authorization.

Also charged were Joey Dela Cruz, a system analyst at Homeland Security, and Justin Paul Mizutani, a lieutenant with the Department of Fire and Emergency Medical Services.

They have been charged with misconduct in public office. Mendiola and Mizutani also face theft charges.

The charges stemmed from an investigation conducted by the Public Integrity Task Force under the Office of the Attorney General, led by Olga Kelley.

The task force, which includes the Department of Public Safety and the Office of the Public Auditor, investigates white-collar crimes, government corruption, and financial misconduct.

Mendiola, who previously served as special assistant for Homeland Security and Emergency Management, faces three counts of misconduct in public office and one count of theft.

Court documents state that on July 13, 2022, Mendiola authorized the transport of a private 2003 Toyota Tacoma from Saipan to Rota via chartered vessel, costing the government $3,135.81.

On Nov. 29, 2022, he allegedly ordered the transport of a rental 2019 Toyota Tacoma, owned by Pacific Corp./SPN Car Rental, without the company’s consent, resulting in a $3,658.66 loss.

Between April and December 2022, Mendiola allegedly rented five vehicles from Pacific Corporation without budget approval or payment, leaving the government with an outstanding debt of $61,290.

He is also accused of unlawfully taking the 2019 Toyota Tacoma, valued at $20,000, constituting the theft charge.

Mizutani allegedly aided in the unauthorized transport of the same rental vehicle to Rota while he was temporarily assigned to HSEM’s special operations group in November 2022.

He faces one count of misconduct in public office and one count of theft.

Dela Cruz, acting special assistant for HSEM, is charged with one count of misconduct in public office.

Court documents state that between Oct. 4, 2022, and April 24, 2023, he rented four vehicles—2018 Toyota RAV4, 2020 Mazda CX-5, 2023 Toyota 4Runner, and 2022 Toyota Corolla—without budget approval or payment, resulting in a $20,415 debt to the government.

In a statement, Gov. David Apatang said Mendiola has informed him about the criminal complaint.

"Our administration recognizes and respects the rule of law, and we place our full faith and trust in the independent judicial adjudication process," Apatang said. "While this matter is before the courts, it is inappropriate and premature to comment on the complaint. Due process must be afforded."

The governor said the administration's priorities and work will not be interrupted.

Penal summons for the three officials were issued on Thursday to appear before Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja on Sept. 15 at 9 a.m. Failing to appear may result in the issuance of arrest warrants.

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