Mendiola among those charged by OAG for misconduct in public office 

08/22/2025 - Assistant Attorney General Olga Kelley filed a criminal case on Thursday against Lt. Governor Dennis James C. Mendiola, Justin Paul A. Mizutani, and Joey Vincent C. Dela Cruz.

According to court documents, Mendiola, while the Special Assistant of Homeland Security and Emergency Management in the CNMI, “did an illegal act under the color of office, to wit: Dennis James Camacho Mendiola misused public funds by authorizing and ordering transportation of a private vehicle 2003 Toyota Tacoma, license plate number TEM 6079, from Saipan to Rota on a chartered vessel and caused the Commonwealth government a loss of $3,135.81.”

The OAG alleged that the actions took place in 2022. Count four of the charges also alleges that on or between April 23, 2022, and December 30, 2022, Mendiola misused public office by renting several other vehicles without sufficient funds in the 2022 HSEM operational budget, costing more than $61,000, and allegedly not rendering any payments for them. 

Mendiola faces three counts of misconduct in public office and one count of theft. Mizutani faces one count of misconduct in public office and one count of theft while he was a Lieutenant of the Department of Fire and Emergency Services.

The charge of theft in count two of the filing said, “On or around November 29, 2022, Dennis James Camacho Mendiola and Justin Paul Arriola Mizutani, unlawfully took, used or consumed the property of another with intent to permanently deprive the owner of their rights to the property, with an aggregate value of $20,000 or more, to wit: Dennis James Camacho Mendiola and Justin Paul Arriola Mizutani did unlawfully take a rental vehicle 2019 Toyota Tacoma, license plate number AFM 692, the property of Pacific Corporation dba SPN Car Rental Center in violation of 6 CMC § 1601(a) and made punishable by 6 CMC § 1601(b) and (c) [which carries a maximum sentence of ten (10) years imprisonment].”

Mizunati faces a charge of misconduct in public office for “misused public funds by aiding and abetting a transportation of a rental vehicle 2019 Toyota Tacoma, license plate number AFM 692, the property of Pacific Corporation dba SPN Car Rental Center, from Saipan to Rota on a chartered vessel without consent and agreement of Pacific Corporation dba SPN Car Rental Center and caused the Commonwealth government a loss of $3,658.66.”

Dela Cruz was charged with one count of misconduct in public office while being the Acting Special Assistant of the Homeland Security and Emergency Management. The OAG alleges that “without sufficient funds in the 2022 HSEM's authorized operational budget, [Dela Cruz] misused public office by renting 2018 Toyota Rav4, license plate number AEU 061; 2020 Mazda CX5, license plate number AFS 242; 2023 Toyota 4Runner, license plate number ADO 450; 2022 Toyota Corolla AGE 552; all said vehicles being a property of Pacific Corporation dba SPN Car Rental Center and not rendering any payments for said vehicles, and caused the Commonwealth government an outstanding debt of $20,415.”

All three defendants are expected to appear before Presiding Judge Robert Naraja at 9 a.m. on September 15, 2025

CNMI Governor David M. Apatang issued the following statement yesterday regarding the allegations: “Today Lt. Governor Dennis James “DJ” C. Mendiola informed me about a complaint filed against him, alleging misconduct in public office.   Our Administration recognizes and respects the rule of law, and we place our full faith and trust in the independent judicial adjudication process. While this matter is before the courts, it is inappropriate and premature to comment on the complaint. Due process must be afforded. Rest assured that the priorities and work of this Administration will not be interrupted in order to provide essential public services. Lt. Governor Mendiola will be releasing a statement from his office soon.”

Report by Thomas Manglona II.