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FSM Court issues verdict on Fritz

Palikir, POHNPEI (FSMIS): August 25, 2004 - On August 23 2004, the Supreme Court of the Federated States of Micronesia issued its Judgment of Conviction and Sentencing Order on the case of FSM vs. Jack Fritz.

Fritz was convicted earlier this month on four counts of criminal indictments, all of which were related to abuses of public funds, a violation of the National Financial Management Act or Section 221 of Title 55 of the FSM Code.

Monday's sentencing placed the defendant, Fritz, on probation for one year per count, and stated that "the sentences of probation for each count are to be served concurrently," under the following conditions:

1. report to the State Justice ombudsman every two months for monitoring purposes;

2. obey all laws and ordinances to which he is subject;

3. notify designated authorities of any extended travels outside of the FSM;

4. required to discuss with the Justice Ombudsman matters of community service; and

5. make the fine payments as ordered.

The sentencing called for Fritz to pay a total fine of $4,000 ($1,000 per count) to be paid in full before the end of his probation period.

In addition, the court ruling stipulates a lifetime ineligibility for Fritz to run for the national legislative body, in according to the FSM Constitution Article 9, Section 9 which states, "a person convicted of a felony by a state or national government court is ineligible to be a member of Congress [...]"

Fritz was one of the most senior members of the FSM Congress. He held the Speakership for over ten years, from 1987 through 2003 and resigned, effective August 20, 2004.