DLNR chief issued penal summons for misconduct in public office, other charges

10/29/2025 - The Superior Court has issued a penal summons to Department of Land and Natural Resources Secretary Sylvan O. Igisomar to appear on Dec. 15, 2025, to face multiple charges, including misconduct in public office, theft of services, and child endangerment.

According to court documents, the charges stem from Igisomar’s alleged use of a Division of Fish and Wildlife law enforcement boat and an official DLNR vehicle for personal purposes, including transporting himself and his two children between Saipan and Mañagaha Island in September 2024.

In Count 1: misconduct in public office charge, prosecutors allege that Igisomar, as a public official, misused his position by using government property for non-official purposes, violating 6 CMC § 3202(b)(1). The felony offense is punishable by up to 10 years in prison and a $50,000 fine.

In Count 2: theft of services, the court filing states that Igisomar “knowingly diverted the use” of the DFW enforcement boat and vehicle for his personal benefit and that of his two children, in violation of 6 CMC § 1607(b). The offense carries a penalty of up to five years’ imprisonment under 6 CMC § 1601(b)(2).

In Count 3, child endangerment, the court said the information further alleges that Igisomar placed his two children “in danger” by transporting them across open waters to and from Mañagaha Island aboard an official DFW vessel without authorization. The charge, filed under 6 CMC § 5312(a)(2), carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison and a $2,000 fine.

Two other DLNR officials—acting DFW director Rosemary C. Camacho and DFW conservation officer III Ignacio Ernesto Itibus Yiftheg—were also summoned on related charges, including misconduct in public office, forgery, and conspiracy.

Court filings allege that Camacho and Yiftheg altered daily activity reports of DFW employees Kimo R. Lisua and Branden A. Manglona and conspired to cover up the unauthorized boat use by Igisomar. The misconduct in public office charge carries a maximum sentence of two years’ imprisonment and a fine of $1,500, while forgery and conspiracy charges carry penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment.

The summons, signed on Oct. 27, 2025, by Presiding Judge Robert C. Naraja, orders Igisomar, Camacho, and Yiftheg to appear in Courtroom 202A at 9am on Dec. 15, 2025. Failure to appear could result in an arrest warrant.

Attempts to reach Igisomar for comment were unsuccessful as of press time.

Report by Mark Rabago