Revocation of supervised release sought against probationer found playing video poker

Roque Sablan Norita, a man on federal probation who was slapped with a nine-month prison term in January 2015 for repeatedly using methamphetamine or “ice,” was allegedly seen playing a video poker machine in violation of his probation condition.

The U.S. Probation has requested the U.S. District Court for the NMI to issue summons to Norita to appear at a hearing and explain why his supervised release should not be revoked.

The court granted the U.S. Probation’s request and set the initial/revocation hearing for today, Monday, at 10am.

According to U.S. Probation Officer Gregory F. Arriola, among the conditions for Norita’s supervised release is for him to refrain from the use of poker machines or any form of gambling device and refrain from entering any gambling establishments.

Arriola said that last Feb. 19, U.S. Probation Officer Assistant Juanette David-Atalig received information that Norita was seen playing poker in a gambling establishment located near Middle Road.

Arriola said he and David-Atalig conducted a field visit and saw Norita playing on a video poker machine.

Arriola said they called Norita outside the establishment and reminded that he was prohibited from entering any gambling establishments.

Norita was instructed to immediately leave the establishment and report to the U.S. Probation Office on Feb. 22, 2016.

Arriola said Norita left the place with a defendant formerly supervised by the U.S. Probation Office.

Arriola said although Norita’s companion was acquitted, he was known to have substance abuse issues while being supervised.

At the Feb. 22 non-compliance meeting, Norita was admonished for failing to follow the court ordered conditions.

He was also counseled about associating with the individual with a known substance abuse history.

Arriola said Norita apologized for his actions.

Arriola said Norita was subjected to a drug test and tested negative for use of illegal drugs.

In January 2015, U.S. District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona revoked Norita’s supervised release for admitting to the allegations that he continued using “ice” and failed to report for drug testing.

Upon release from prison, he was placed on 62 months of supervised release.

In August 2013, Norita admitted to the allegations that he used “ice” again and apologized to the court, prosecution, and U.S. Probation Office.

Manglona then denied the U.S. Probation’s Office petition to revoke Norita’s probation. She, however, warned the defendant that he would be subject to immediate detention should he violate his supervised release conditions again.

In July 2010, the federal court slapped Norita with a 30-month jail term for his conviction of trafficking methamphetamine or “ice” and illegal possession of guns.

Norita was placed on six years of supervised release after completing his sentence. He began his supervised release on Nov. 21, 2011. (Ferdie de la Torre)