CNMI attorney leading anti-corruption efforts: 'There is scrutiny, protection’

CNMI Special Prosecutor James Kingman said his work is a mission.

"The disappointments and heartbreak that have been here for decades, is not something that this place is doomed to repeat. Things can get better, but I can't do it alone. I'm an outsider. I'm here to coach and facilitate," said Kingman.

The Harvard Law grad from Corsicana in east Texas, which has a population of 20,000, moved to Saipan a year ago. He's prosecuting the criminal case against former Gov. Ralph Torres and leads the inter-agency Public Integrity Task Force under the Attorney General's Office.

"I've spoken with so many folks who really believe in change and really believe in letting this place be what it can be. But they're timid. They're worried that, there's going to be repercussions. And I just want to express that, you don't need to worry about that anymore, there's scrutiny now, there's protection now," he said.

KUAM asked Kingman for comment about the former governor's case since it has been over a year since the corruption trial he was brought out here to prosecute was set to begin.

"I've not seen progress on a case like this, be at this pace ever before," he added.

Kingman has also personally voiced his views on CNMI issues.

"If I can do anything to help make it a little bit easier for a shift, into a little bit more accountable, responsive, governance so that way the islands can be better, I think that that's an important thing for me to be doing with my life," he said.