A new attorney is now representing Lt. Governor Josh Tenorio’s partner in a federal pandemic fraud case. 

Matthew Topasna, accused of helping defraud the PUA program out of nearly $2 million, will be represented by Attorney Thomas Fisher, after a conflict-of-interest issue sidelined his former counsel, Jay Arriola.

Topasna showed up to court last week but didn’t enter a plea due to the legal issue, which has now been resolved.

Topasna, along with the Lt. Governor’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 he falsely claimed his business shut down during the pandemic, even though it continued operating.

Topasna’s arraignment is now set for Friday at 11 a.m.