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Judge rejects plea deal for 3 cousins in beating of man, assaulting his parents
By Ferdie de la Torre
Reporter
Reporter
Superior Court Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho rejected yesterday as too lenient the plea agreement offered by the CNMI government to three cousins who are accused of beating up a man and assaulting the latter’s parents.
Camacho said he finds the recommended sentence disproportionate to the crimes committed by Joaquin V. Sanchez, Kelvin C. Sanchez, and John Carlo Guartiano Sanchez, despite their lack of criminal history and other reasons offered by the government.
“Given that the victim was clearly outnumbered and the alleged facts suggest the possibility of other aggravating factors, the court is not satisfied that a short jail sentence, probation, and community service will serve the ends of justice,” the judge said.
The plea bargain seeks suspended sentences that would have required the defendants to spend just 12 to 17 days in jail, with credit for time served.
Police said the beating happened on Jan. 12, 2012, in Dandan.
Joaquin Sanchez was charged with assault and battery, riot, and disturbing the peace. Kelvin Sanchez and John Carlo Sanchez were charged with riot, disturbing the peace, and two counts of assault and battery.
Under the plea deal, Joaquin Sanchez and John Carlo Sanchez would plead guilty to assault and battery while Kelvin Sanchez will plead guilty to two counts of assault and battery.
For Joaquin Sanchez, the plea deal recommends a sentence of one year in prison, all suspended except for 12 days, with 10 days credit for time served; one year probation; a fine of $250; and 50 hours of community service.
In John Carlo Sanchez’s case, the plea bargain recommends one year in prison, all suspended except for 15 days, with 10 days credit for time served; one year probation; a fine of $250; and 50 hours of community service.
For Kelvin Sanchez, the plea agreement recommends one year in prison, all suspended except for 17 days, with 10 days credit for time served; one year probation; a fine of $250; and 50 hours of community work service.
