Man admits to ‘ice’ use, violating release conditions

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Federal probationer Ryan Taitano Babauta yesterday admitted to allegations that he used methamphetamine or “ice” and violated other conditions of his supervised release.

U.S. District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona set Babauta’s sentencing for Dec. 29, 2015 at 9am. He will remain in jail until then. He is represented by attorney Michael Dotts.

Babauta’s parents, wife, and two young children, and some relatives attended yesterday’s hearing.

“You are very fortunate to have your family come to court. I hope you appreciate that,” the judge told Babauta.

Manglona noted that this is the third petition for revocation of Babauta’s supervised release.

Assistant U.S. attorney Russell Lorfing stated that according to the U.S. Probation Office, Babauta admitted using “ice” twice this year, thrice failed to report to the U.S. Probation Office, failed to report to counseling sessions four times, and failed to report for random tests thrice.

The court revoked Babauta’s probation at least twice in the past for using “ice” and violating other probation conditions.

In 1999, the 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.

Ferdie De La Torre | Reporter
Ferdie Ponce de la Torre is a senior reporter of Saipan Tribune. He has a bachelor’s degree in journalism and has covered all news beats in the CNMI. He is a recipient of the CNMI Supreme Court Justice Award. Contact him at ferdie_delatorre@Saipantribune.com

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