Prior to joining the OAG, Chester worked as a deputy prosecutor for the city of Honolulu prosecutor’s office where he was responsible for criminal matters such as domestic violence and felony cases. Chester completed a number of externships that included the Circuit Court of the First Circuit under the guidance of the Honorable Michael D. Wilson and the Hawaii Civil Rights Commission in Honolulu, Hawaii.

Chief Hinds states, “I have appreciated the opportunity to serve the community in my capacity as a prosecutor, and as chief I want to continue to have the prosecutor’s office serve the CNMI community, by seeking justice within the law. I want to continue to strengthen the bond between the OAG and law enforcement agencies that will allow us to work together efficiently.”

A priority Chief Hinds aspires to continue is the office’s working partnership with treatment Courts such as the Drug and Mental Health Court and treatment providers such as the Community Guidance Center, HOPE Recovery Center and the Commonwealth Healthcare Corporation. “Incarceration is not always the answer and these treatment Courts are a crucial component to cut recidivism and help those in need to become wholesome members of our community,” concludes Hinds.

Chester earned his Juris Doctor from the University of Hawaii William S. Richardson School of Law in Honolulu, Hawaii after receiving a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science with a Minor in Business from Loyola Marymount University in Los Angeles, CA. He is admitted to practice law in Hawaii and the CNMI.

Attorney General announces the promotion of AAG Heather Barcinas

The Office of the Attorney General is pleased to announce the promotion of Assistant Attorney General Ms. Heather P. Barcinas to lead the white-collar crime and public corruption unit of the office.

Ms. Barcinas replaces former prosecutor Matt Baisley who left the office in July. Barcinas will be responsible for the prosecution of white collar crime and public corruption cases in the CNMI of which she strongly aims to prosecute to the fullest extent possible under law.

Through a Memorandum of Agreement between the Office of the Attorney General, the Office of the Public Auditor, and the Department of Public Safety, Barcinas will continue to work in conjunction with the above- mentioned agencies as a joint multi-task force member.

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