Rota Mayor, Efraim M. Atalig Photo: supplied
The mayor of Rota in the Northern Marianas has pleaded not guilty to charges that he illegally used government money for trips to California, Palau, Guam, and Saipan.
Efraim Atalig, who was re-elected last month, appeared in federal court on four charges - conspiracy, wire fraud, theft of federal funds and making a false statement.
Mr Atalig said there was nothing to apologise for because he had done nothing wrong.