A 'not guilty' plea, a bold accusation, and a warning about a ‘rat’ in the system — Matthew Topasna’s attorney is going on offense, questioning how this high-profile indictment came to light and who stands to benefit. 

Not guilty.that’s the plea entered in Judge Michael Bordallo’s courtroom by Matthew Topasna Friday morning, one of seven people indicted two weeks ago in a federal pandemic unemployment fraud case that involves $1.9 million. Last week, Topasna didn’t enter a plea due to a conflict of interest. That’s now been resolved — and his new defense attorney, Thomas Fisher is coming out swinging.

"We entered a plea of 'not guilty' because Matt is not guilty. We just finished the arraignment and we are confident if this case gets to trial, we are confident he is going to be found not guilty," Fisher said.

Fisher claims there's more to this case than meets the eye — and he’s raising alarms over timing and motives. "It cannot be ignored that we are at the beginning of a gubernatorial cycle, suddenly a case pops up involving the lt. Governor who is the clear front runner. Suddenly this pops up about his family, and this indictment rolls out about his family," he added.

Fisher posing the question — who stands to gain?he calls out what he claims is a strategic leak to the press — and he’s ready to fight back. "Why is the grand jury leaking information like that? I have serious concerns about that. And if it is in fact true, and if it has been leaked, this indictment is dead," he said.

As KUAM reported, Topasna, along with Lieutenant Governor Josh Tenorio’s sister Charissa Tenorio and her boyfriend Frankie Rosalin, Rosalin's mother Tina Sanchez, Winne Jo Santos, Marlene Pinaula, and Kathleen Peredo, are accused of submitting fake unemployment claims, including for people who never worked at his business, Haute Dog & Company.  

Prosecutors allege Topasna falsely claimed his business shut down during the pandemic, even though it continued operating. Fisher said, "I'm very curious how this is going to unroll."

Fisher wrapped his statement with an ominous warning and a hint of what’s to come, saying, "I'm just worried there is a rat in this case, and we want to find them...we look forward to vindication."