Lieutenant Governor Dennis Mendiola, Homeland Security official Joey Dela Cruz and DFEMS Lt. Justin Paul Mizutani are facing charges of misconduct in public office for allegedly misusing public funds to rent vehicles and transport one to Rota without authorization.
According to court documents, Mendiola, while serving as a special assistant at Homeland Security, authorized the transport of a private 2003 Toyota Tacoma from Saipan to Rota aboard a chartered vessel, costing the government $3,135.81. He also allegedly ordered the unauthorized transport of a rental 2019 Toyota Tacoma, owned by Pacific Corporation/SPN Car Rental, resulting in a $3,658.66 loss.
Between April and December 2022, Mendiola allegedly rented five vehicles from Pacific Corporation without budget approval or payment, leaving the government with a $61,290 debt.
Mizutani, who was temporarily assigned to Homeland Security’s special operations group, is accused of assisting in the unauthorized transport of the 2019 Tacoma to Rota. Both he and Mendiola are also charged with theft for allegedly taking the rental vehicle, which was valued at $20,000.
Dela Cruz, while serving as a special assistant at Homeland Security, allegedly rented four vehicles between October 2022 and April 2023 without budget approval or payment, resulting in a $20,415 debt.
Superior Court Clerk Patrick Diaz issued penal summons for the three officials to appear before Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja on Sept. 15 at 9 a.m. Failure to appear may result in arrest warrants.
The charges stemmed from an investigation by the Public Integrity Task Force under the Office of the Attorney General, led by Olga Kelley. The task force includes the Department of Public Safety and the Office of the Public Auditor and investigates white-collar crimes, government corruption and financial misconduct.
