William Abraczinskas, a former CNMI Superior Court law clerk, has filed a federal lawsuit against the CNMI judiciary and the Office of the Attorney General, alleging that a criminal sexual‑assault case—later overturned—was pursued in retaliation for his workplace complaints.
Abraczinskas, 37, filed the 37‑page complaint pro se in the U.S. District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands and is seeking a jury trial, unspecified damages, and a waiver of filing fees. The suit names 12 defendants, including judges, prosecutors, human resources officials, and law enforcement officers.
According to the complaint, Abraczinskas, who identifies as a bisexual male, says discriminatory and retaliatory conduct began around April 1, 2023. He alleges he was subjected to sexual harassment and a hostile work environment while employed at the Superior Court.
He claims that after reporting the harassment, officials initiated a “retaliatory criminal referral,” altered internal records, interfered with his Equal Employment Opportunity Commission proceedings, and improperly disclosed confidential employment information to investigators.
The federal action comes as Abraczinskas continues to fight related charges in local court. On Sept. 13, 2024, a jury convicted him of first‑degree sexual assault, assault and battery, and disturbing the peace. He denied allegations that he raped a fellow court employee.
Sentencing was set for April 28, 2025, but his attorney sought a new trial, citing newly discovered evidence involving conversations between the complaining witness and another judicial clerk.
After an evidentiary hearing on June 23, 2025, a Superior Court judge granted the motion for a new trial, released Abraczinskas on a $100,000 appearance bond, and placed him on house arrest. Prosecutors have appealed, and the NMI Supreme Court has not yet ruled.
Abraczinskas’ complaint outlines claims against judiciary officials, prosecutors, human resources personnel, and police officers, accusing them of mishandling internal complaints, manipulating records, and participating in the referral and investigation that led to his prosecution.
The lawsuit was filed after Abraczinskas received a “Notice of Right to Sue” from the EEOC on Dec. 9, 2025.
He brings the case under Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and 42 U.S.C. § 1983, alleging violations of his constitutional rights through coordinated actions by judicial and executive branch officials.
