The federal trial of a mayor in the Northern Marianas has been postponed a week because his lawyer was arrested.
The trial by jury of Rota Mayor Efraim Atalig and his partner, Evelyn Atalig, was originally scheduled for Tuesday.
It has now been set for 18 March.
Rota Mayor, Efraim M. Atalig Photo: supplied
The change came after Mr Atalig's lawyer, David Banes, was arrested on Monday for allegedly driving while under the influence of alcohol and for fleeing the scene after hitting another car.
The Ataligs are charged with conspiracy to commit wire fraud, theft from a programme receiving federal funds, wire fraud and making a false statement.