Man, 42, allegedly raped minor girl

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Police arrested Monday night in Kagman 2, a 42-year-old man who allegedly raped a 12-year-old girl inside a house.

Joseph Seman Epina was arrested for sexual abuse of a minor in the first degree, assault and battery, and disturbing the peace.

At a hearing yesterday, Superior Court Associate Judge Teresa Kim-Tenorio imposed a $25,000 cash bail and appointed assistant public defender Michael Sato as counsel for Epina.

Assistant attorney general Betsy Weintraub appeared for the government.

Epina told the court that he just started working at Docomo.

Police Detective Catherine B. Pangelinan stated in her report that Epina allegedly sexually assaulted the girl who was sleeping at a relative’s house on Saturday night.

Pangelinan said a doctor at the Commonwealth Health Center examined the girl and found bruising in her private parts.

Pangelinan said that their investigation started on Monday after police received a complaint from a Division of Youth Services personnel about a student who was sexually assaulted.

Two detectives responded to a school and escorted the girl to CHC for examination.

According to the girl, while she was sleeping on the bed Saturday night, she was awakened when Epina was on top of her.

Epina allegedly removed her pants then sexually assaulted her. She said she called out for help, but nobody heard her. She said she tried to resist, but Epina was too strong.

The girl told police that it was not the first time that Epina sexually assaulted her.

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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