Ex-convict gets 6-month prison sentence for using illegal drugs

Ryan T. Babauta, an ex-convict who is on federal probation, was slapped last week with a six-month prison sentence after the court revoked his supervised release for using illegal drugs and violating other terms of his probation.

At a revocation hearing Thursday afternoon, U.S. District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona directed Babauta to be placed on supervised release for 54 months after completing his prison term.

Babauta was given credit for time served. He was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal.

During his probation, Babauta will be required to perform 500 hours of community service. He is prohibited from possessing, using, and distributing any controlled substance, and from possessing a firearm or other dangerous weapons.

Within 15 days of his release, he will be required to submit to one drug test and at least two periodic tests after. He will also be required to submit to a maximum of eight drug tests per month.

Babauta is barred from using any alcoholic beverages and will be subject to any testing by the U.S. Probation Office for consumption of alcohol.

Babauta admitted to violations by using a methamphetamine or “ice” and marijuana and failing to appear for drug counseling and testing.

Assistant U.S. attorney Rami Badawy recommended a six-month prison term and 54 months of supervised release. Court-appointed defense counsel David Banes recommended a minimum imprisonment of six months and then home confinement plus drug counseling and testing.

Federal agents arrested Babauta last Jan. 10 for violating the terms of his supervised release.

U.S. Probation Officer Gregory F. Arriola said that Babauta admitted to using “ice” on Nov. 6 and 17, 2013. Babauta also allegedly admitted to using “ice” and marijuana on Dec. 4, 2013.

The defendant, Arriola said, also failed to give advance notice to the probation officer before changing residence.

Babauta also failed to appear for his counseling sessions and random drug testing in December, Arriola said.

In March 2009, Babauta was one of seven prisoners who staged a 14-hour hostage drama at the Department of Corrections in Susupe. At the time, he was serving a prison term for involuntary manslaughter for the killing of a Bangladeshi national in Chalan Kanoa.

In August 1999, the federal court slapped Babauta with a 180-month prison sentence and five years of supervised release, for hostage taking and felon in possession of a firearm.