Former U.S. Supreme Court Justice Sandra Day O’Connor once said, “(w)e don’t accomplish anything in this life alone…and whatever happens is the result of the whole tapestry of one’s life and all the weavings
Koror, Palau –Ellender Ngirameketii (CR 19-097 & CR 19-118) and Vilma Yoshiwo (CR 21-067) filed appeals of their convictions.
Mr. Ngirameketii (Appellant) appeals his earlier convictions by Presiding Justice Kathleen M. Salii on six counts of Misconduct in Public Office by committing unsworn falsification to authorities, six counts of Ethics violations by failing to report his true income, and six counts of failing to make social security contributions on behalf of his employees. The appeal was filed on or about October 17 , 2021 (Crim. App. No. 21-007).
Ms. Yoshiwo (Appellant), who was sentenced on December 16, 2021, filed her Notice of Appeal with the Appellate Division of the Palau Supreme Court on January 13, 2022 (Crim. App. No. 22-001). Ms. Yoshiwo was convicted by Associate Justice Honora E. Remengesau Rudimch on November 12, 2021, of Misconduct in Public Office by violating procurement laws, an Ethics violation by authorizing or directing any Airai State employees to use Airai State Government time, equipment, facilities, assets or property for private activities that serve no governmental or public purposes, i.e., renovation of her private residence, and Theft of Government Property in the First Degree.
Appeals generally take at least 90 days during which the briefs of each party and reply briefs, if any, are filed. Thereafter, the Appellate Division may allow oral arguments on the briefs from the parties or may decide to move forward and decide the appeal on the merits of the briefs without oral arguments. The OSP will provide updates on the Ngirameketii and Yoshiwo appeals as the appeals move through the process.
April Dawn Cripps, Special Prosecutor for the Republic of Palau, made the announcement.