Plea deals found too lenient for two ex-convicts

Finding them too lenient, Superior Court Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho rejected yesterday separate proposed plea deals for two ex-convicts who seriously injured a drinking partner they allegedly kidnapped and beat up on Saipan.

The proposed plea agreement recommended a sentence of 15 years in prison for Joy Fred for kidnapping, and three years and 10 months in prison for violating the terms and conditions of his probation in a previous criminal case.

A separate proposed plea deal recommended a sentence of 12 years in prison against Titomir Kapileo Bhuiyan for kidnapping.

The proposed plea deals also require the two to pay restitution to the victim, Willie Lee Brundidge Jr., places them on 10 years of probation after completing their prison terms, plus other conditions.

“The people of the CNMI deserve to have a safe community. There can be no justice without the appropriate punishment,” Camacho said.

He said the prison sentences under the proposed plea deals fail to conform to court and community standards.

Assistant attorney general Chester Hinds appeared for the government. Assistant public defender Matthew Meyer and attorney Dan Guidotti served as counsels for Fred and Bhuiyan, respectively.

The Office of the Attorney General had charged the 23-year-old Fred with kidnapping, conspiracy, aggravated assault and battery, theft of vehicle, and disturbing the peace.

The OAG charged the 21-year-old Bhuiyan with kidnapping, assault and battery, theft of vehicle, and disturbing the peace.

Police said Brundidge sustained a bone fracture in the right eye and needed to be seen by another doctor. His right eye was swollen.

If convicted of all charges, Fred is facing possible consecutive two life sentences plus 11 years and six months in prison, Camacho said. He noted that Fred has a prior conviction for attempted robbery and disturbing the peace in two cases.

Bhuiyan, if convicted of all charges, faces a possible maximum sentence of life sentence plus two years and six months in prison. Camacho noted that Bhuiyan also has a prior conviction.

The judge said the plea agreements are silent and do not restrict parole, probation, and other early release provisions. If the court were to accept the plea agreements, Fred and Bhuiyan would be eligible for work release or weekend furlough immediately, Camacho said.

He said Fred and Bhuiyan would also be eligible to be released on parole after serving only five years and four years in prison, respectively.

Fred and Bhuiyan allegedly beat up Brundidge, put him inside a car, and went to another location, where they continued beating and hitting him. The victim managed to escape by shouting to people for help. The incident happened on Nov. 29 to 30, 2014.