Igisomar, Camacho lawyers seek dismissal; motions set April 23, trial Aug. 3

Attorneys for Department of Lands and Natural Resources Secretary Sylvan Igisomar and co-defendant Rosemary Camacho have filed motions to dismiss charges against their clients, arguing that key counts in the government’s case are legally defective.

Igisomar’s counsel, Viola Alepuyo, is asking the Superior Court to strike portions of the First Amended Information and dismiss counts of misconduct in public office, theft of services, and child endangerment.

Igisomar and Camacho were granted waivers to appear during the status conference held last March 19 in the courtroom of Superior Court Associate Judge Lillian Ada Tenorio.

Alepuyo’s motion argues that the charges fail to allege essential elements required by law, improperly combine multiple offenses in single counts, and rely on the same underlying conduct—an alleged September 2024 use of a Division of Fish and Wildlife boat and a DLNR vehicle for personal purposes.

The filing also contends that the misconduct charge lacks a required mental state element, while the theft of services count duplicates the same alleged act used to support the misconduct charge. The child endangerment count, meanwhile, is challenged for allegedly failing to establish how the children’s safety was harmed or threatened.

Camacho’s attorney, Joaquin Torres, separately moved to dismiss a misconduct in public office charge filed against her. The motion argues that the complaint does not specify the law or duty she allegedly violated in connection with the incident and fails to clearly establish the basis for the penalty being sought.

The case stems from allegations that Igisomar used government resources, including a DFW enforcement boat, to travel between Saipan and Mañagaha Island with his children without authorization. Prosecutors also allege that Camacho and co-defendant Ignacio Yiftheg were involved in actions related to the incident.

Assistant attorney general Olga Kelley is representing the government. Alepuyo appeared electronically during the status conference.

Assistant public defender Emily Thomsen, counsel for Yiftheg, had no comment when asked if they will also file a motion to dismiss for her client.

The Superior Court has set April 23 for a hearing on the motions to dismiss, which could determine whether some or all of the charges proceed.

If the case moves forward, a jury trial is scheduled to begin on Aug. 3, 2026, with the court estimating proceedings could last about two weeks due to the number of defendants and anticipated witnesses.

Court filings allege that Camacho and Yiftheg altered daily activity reports of DFW employees Kimo R. Lisua and Branden A. Manglona and conspired to cover up the unauthorized boat use by Igisomar. The misconduct in public office charge carries a maximum sentence of two years’ imprisonment and a fine of $1,500, while forgery and conspiracy charges carry penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment.