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Request to release man in sex abuse case to custodian nixed
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Posted on Jan 30 2012
By Ferdie de la Torre
Reporter
Reporter
Superior Court associate judge Joseph N. Camacho has denied the request of Juan R. Babauta to be released to a third-party custodian. The former House candidate is facing charges of sexual abuse of a minor.
During Thursday’s bail modification hearing, Camacho found Babauta’s proposed third-party custodian to be unsuitable because a minor is staying in the house.
Camacho said the defense counsel can re-file its request to modify bail once a suitable location is found. For now, the bail remains at $25,000 cash.
Assistant attorney general Nicole D. Driscoll had opposed the bail modification, saying Babauta has disregarded Commonwealth laws and the values of the community, standing accused “of vile acts” with a child.
Calling Babauta a predator, Driscoll said the government maintains that releasing him will have a negative impact on the victim and pose a significant threat to society. She said the defendant should not be released to a third party custodian.
“Not only is the victim’s safety and well-being at risk if this defendant is released, but other children in the household and the community will also be placed at risk,” she pointed out.
Sex crimes, Driscoll said, are on the rise in the Commonwealth and should be deterred.
Police recently arrested the 52-year-old Babauta at his house in As Matuis for alleged sexual abuse of a minor in the second degree.
Assistant public defender Daniel Guidotti serves as counsel for the defendant.
Police reports state that Babauta picked up a 12-year-old girl from a residence on Jan. 6, 2012, at 6pm, and brought her to a house in As Matuis where he allegedly sexually assaulted her.
Saipan Tribune learned that Babauta was GOP’s candidate under Precinct 4 for the House during the 2009 election. He lost.
