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Closing arguments done in retrial of ex-DOC officer
The prosecution and the defense completed Friday their closing arguments in the ongoing retrial in federal court of former Department of Corrections officer Mariano Q. Falig Jr. who is accused of distributing methamphetamine or “ice.”
U.S. District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona adjourned the trial and directed the 14 jurors to return today, Monday, at 2pm for jury instructions and deliberations.
Assistant U.S. attorney Ross Naughton is prosecuting the case. Bruce Berline is Falig’s counsel.
An indictment charged Falig and his second cousin, Vicente Aldan Sablan, also known as Ben Seven, with conspiracy to distribute “ice” and distribution of “ice.” In addition, Falig was charged with using, carrying, or possession of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime. The U.S. government later dismissed this count.
Sablan signed a plea deal with the U.S. government. He testified on Thursday for the U.S. government.
According to DEA Task Force officer Diwain A. Stephen in his report, their confidential source gave Sablan $800 in ATF funds (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives) for a controlled purchase of “ice” from Falig.
After Vicente Sablan’s testimony, the prosecution then called to the witness stand his cousin, Robin Norita Sablan, who allegedly brought them to the location of “ice” supplier in Lower Navy Hill. The last government’s witness for the day was chemist Todd H. Davis.
In March 2013, Manglona declared a mistrial in the case after Falig’s then counsel, Ramon K. Quichocho, disclosed shortly after jury selection that he represents the prosecution’s key witness in a family court proceeding.
The retrial of Falig began last Monday.
