Counsel submits not guilty plea in Yumul case

08/29/2025 - CNMI Department of Public Works Secretary Ray N. Yumul’s lawyer submitted a not guilty plea during the continuation of his arraignment last Aug. 28 in Superior Court. 

Yumul was arrested last July 24 for allegedly driving under the influence and misuse of a government vehicle after being pulled over at Twins Market in Lower Navy Hill.

During the continuation of his arraignment last Aug. 28, Superior Court Associate Judge Kenneth L. Govendo referred to the case against Yumul as a traffic case. However, during an interview with assistant attorney general David Karch outside the courtroom immediately after, he confirmed that the Office of Attorney General is also charging the DPW chief with misuse of a government vehicle.

OAG chief prosecutor Chester Hinds also confirmed they will be charging Yumul with misuse of a government vehicle in a social media message to Marianas Press.

Yumul’s lawyer, Joey Patrick San Nicolas, submitted the not guilty plea as Yumul was unavailable for the continuation of his arraignment.

San Nicolas also waived the reading of Yumul’s constitutional right to the reading of the information and requested additional discovery. He also asked for a status conference, which Govendo set for Oct. 1, 2025, at 1:30 p.m.

San Nicolas said he has no comment on his client’s case in an interview with Marianas Press outside Govendo’s courtroom. 

CNMI Department of Public Safety assistant chief of police and then acting public information officer Simon Manacop said in a previous interview that aside from DUI and misuse of a government vehicle, Yumul was also arrested for reckless driving, display of a license plate, and implied consent, test refusal.

Report by Mark Rabago