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Former Ambassador Marehalau Found Guilty on Two Counts

Palikir, Pohnpei (FSM Information Services): May 4, 2009 - On May 14, 2007, a criminal case was filed against dependant Jesse B Marehalau, former FSM ambassador to the United States, and Enrico Calderon. There were eight alleged violations regarding the defendant, Jesse B. Marehalau, while the remaining five violations together with one of the eight violations against Mr. Marehalau involved defendant Enrico Calderon.

On April 01, 2009, the case went to trial against Marehalau only, as Mr. Calderon could not be located.

On April 24, 2009, the FSM Supreme Court found defendant Jesse B. Marehalau guilty of counts 2 and 4 of the charges against him. Count II is theft against the government in violation of 11 F.S.M.C. § 602, while Count IV is over-obligation of government funds in violation of 55 F.S.M. C. § 221,223.

On April 30, 2009, defendant Jesse B. Marehalau was sentenced as follows:

Count 2: Sentenced to 3 years imprisonment suspended except for 18 months and to pay restitution of $3,000.

Count 4: Sentenced to 4 years imprisonment, suspended except for 30 months.

Both sentences are to run concurrently and are to be effective as of 12 noon, May 5^th, 2009 at the Yap State prison. The court imposed other conditions, which will be reflected on the written sentence by the court.

On May 5, 2009, at 12 noon Mr. Marehalau will turn himself in to the Yap State prison. The Chief of the Litigation Division will inform the FSM Chief of Police and the Yap State Attorney General pursuant to the Joint Law Enforcement Agreement between FSM and Yap to assist in overseeing and monitoring the court sentencing order.

For more information, please contact the Department of Justice at tel. #320-2608.