Department of Land and Natural Resources Secretary Sylvan O. Igisomar prefaced that with “I just entered a plea of not guilty. This is a terrible cloud to be under” after his arraignment in Superior Court last Dec. 15.
He was pleading not guilty on all three counts stemming from his alleged use of a Division of Fish and Wildlife law enforcement boat and an official DLNR vehicle for personal purposes, including transporting himself and his two children between Saipan and Mañagaha Island in September 2024.
In Count 1—misconduct in public office charge—prosecutors allege that Igisomar, as a public official, misused his position by using government property for non-official purposes, violating 6 CMC § 3202(b)(1). The felony offense is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.
In Count 2, theft of services, the court filing states that Igisomar “knowingly diverted the use” of the DFW enforcement boat and vehicle for his personal benefit and that of his two children, in violation of 6 CMC § 1607(b). The offense carries a penalty of up to five years’ imprisonment under 6 CMC § 1601(b)(2).
In Count 3, child endangerment, the court said the information further alleges that Igisomar placed his two children “in danger” by transporting them across open waters to and from Mañagaha Island aboard an official DFW vessel without authorization. The charge, filed under 6 CMC § 5312(a)(2), carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $2,000 fine.
Igisomar’s counsel, Viola Alepuyo, originally appeared in court via telephone following technical difficulties with her internet connection. Camacho and Yiftheg were represented by Anthony Aguon and a lawyer from the Public Defenders’ Office, respectively.
Assistant attorney general Olga Kelley represented the government.
Two other DLNR officials—acting DFW director Rosemary C. Camacho and DFW conservation officer III Ignacio Ernesto Itibus Yiftheg—also pleaded not guilty on related charges, including misconduct in public office, forgery, and conspiracy.
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.
Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja set a status hearing on all three cases on Feb. 12, 10am.
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