The governor of the Northern Mariana Islands has admitted ordering the temporary release from jail of his masseuse to relieve persistent back pain.

Gov. Benigno Fitial said Thursday he didn't realize the woman was being held on federal charges in a human smuggling case when he tried to reach her.

Fitial says he asked commonwealth Corrections Commissioner Dolores Aldan to have the 28-year-old woman brought to the governor's residence on Jan. 8. Fitial tried unsuccessfully to reach federal and commonwealth attorneys beforehand.

The governor and Aldan say she, three corrections officers and his wife were present during the massage therapy session.

The masseuse was returned to jail the same day.

A federal judge ordered a hearing into the woman's release.