GOVERNOR Benigno R. Fitial yesterday said he was shocked and saddened by his driver-bodyguard’s arrest on Thursday for peddling illegal drugs while using CNMI government-issued vehicle.
The governor is also disappointed that federal authorities failed to tell him about their suspicions against his driver, Pete Reyes.
“It’s very, very sad. But at the same time, I am also very concerned about my safety.... If they knew about this since March, they should have told me,” he said.
The federal court has not yet impounded the governor’s Nissan Pathfinder.
“I do not think the vehicle, which is leased by the government and owned by Joeten Motors, is needed for evidence or subject to forfeiture,” Press Secretary Charles P. Reyes Jr. said. “In any case, the administration regrets this development and will fully cooperate with all legal mandates.”
He described the indictment as a “disturbing development.”
He said the administration will “continue to enforce our laws and policies concerning substance abuse, including drug testing.”
He added, “We appreciate all local and federal drug enforcement efforts, and I think it is clear that the CNMI benefits from strong local and federal law enforcement along these lines.”
He described the driver as “very nice and respectful.”
“But I am personally very disappointed that he breached the public’s trust and the governor’s trust.”
On Sept. 16, Drug Enforcement Administration Special Agent Daniel G. Holcomb filed a criminal complaint against Reyes for one count of possession of a controlled substance within 1,000 feet of a playground with intent to distribute.
The confidential source told the DEA that Pete Reyes regularly used Fitial’s Nissan Pathfinder to purchase and distribute “ice” every other Thursday that coincided with CNMI government payday.
The driver, who, according to his attorney Robert T. Torres has a serious heart condition, is currently under house arrest.
