Ralph Torres shares a light moment with Arnold Palacios during last month's Education Day festivities Photo: Mark Rabago
The Northern Marianas Superior Court has set the jury trial date in the criminal case against outgoing Governor Ralph Torres.
Last April, the Office of the Attorney General filed criminal charges against Torres, alleging misconduct in public office and theft relating to the issuance of airline tickets for premium class travel for himself and/or his wife Diann Torres.
He was also accused of contempt, for failure to appear before a legislative committee in response to a subpoena.
Temporary Superior Court judge Alberto Tolentino issued an order officially scheduling Torres' jury trial date for February 13.
Torres' defense counsel earlier wanted to postpone the jury trial to August 2023, saying the governor already waived his right to a speedy trial and there was no reason to fast-track the proceedings.
The prosecution earlier offered a plea deal to Torres and his lawyers, and gave them until December 30 to respond to the offer.
Late last month Torres lost in a run-off to be governor, to independent candidate Arnold Palacios.