SAIPAN — Former Governor Ralph Deleon Guerrero Torres issued a statement Monday following the dismissal of criminal cases against him, saying the resolution vindicates his long-held belief that an independent review of the evidence would lead to a just outcome.
Torres said the case had been difficult for him and his family over the past several years but that he had always believed it was important for the matter to be reviewed independently so the people of the Commonwealth could have confidence in the fairness of the process.
Early in the proceedings, Torres successfully challenged the participation of Attorney General Edward Manibusan, Special Prosecutor James Kingman and Robbie Glass, arguing they had conflicts of interest. The CNMI Supreme Court agreed and disqualified all three, resulting in the appointment of an independent prosecutor. Torres said that effort came at significant personal expense.
He expressed appreciation to Assistant Attorney General David Karch, whose independent review he said helped bring the matter to a responsible and professional resolution, and to his counsel, Anthony H. Aguon, and the judiciary for their oversight and commitment to fairness.
“Over the past several years, this process has been difficult for me and for my family,” Torres said. “Through it all, I believed it was important that the matter be reviewed independently so that the people of the Commonwealth could have confidence in the fairness of the process. I am grateful that this chapter is now close. I remain thankful to those who stood by me and I look forward to continuing to serve our community in whatever way I can.”
Below is the full statement:
[Saipan, CNMI, March 23, 2026] Former Governor Ralph Deleon Guerrero Torres and the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands have reached an agreement resolving the matter that has been pending before the court. The agreement brings closure to the case and allows all parties to move forward while avoiding the time, expense, and uncertainty of prolonged litigation.
Early in the proceedings, former Governor Torres sought to ensure that only conflict-free prosecutors should be involved in the case. Through motions filed with the court, and at significant personal expense, he pursued the issue to ensure the case would proceed in a fair and lawful manner. The Supreme Court of the Commonwealth of the Northern Mariana Islands ultimately ruled that Attorney General Edward Manibusan, Special Prosecutor James Kingman, and Robbie Glass were disqualified from participating in the matter due to conflicts of interest. As a result, an independent prosecutor was appointed to handle the case.
Torres appreciates the role of Assistant Attorney General David Karch, whose work helped bring the matter to a responsible and professional resolution. Torres has always believed that an independent review of the evidence and the law would lead to a just outcome, and he thanks AAG Karch for his careful review.
Under the agreement, both the Government and former Governor Torres acknowledge that the resolution does not constitute admission of fault or any wrongdoing whatsoever by Mr. Torres. Instead, a civil settlement of $23,745.00 reflecting the difference between premium and economy airfares allows the parties to bring finality to the matter. The settlement agreement reflects that the trips were made for official purposes and that there was no misconduct in public office. Torres also expresses his appreciation to his counsel, Anthony H. Aguon, and to the judiciary for their careful oversight and commitment to fairness and the rule of law.
“Over the past several years, this process has been difficult for me and for my family. Through it all, I believed it was important that the matter be reviewed independently so that the people of the Commonwealth could have confidence in the fairness of the process. I am grateful that this chapter is now close. I remain thankful to those who stood by me and I look forward to continuing to serve our community in whatever way I can.”
