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Habitual offender curses judge at hearing
Nestor C. Taitano, a habitual offender who was arrested last month for allegedly throwing rocks at a store and making threats to kill anyone, cursed at Superior Court Presiding Judge Robert C. Naraja during Monday’s hearing.
Saipan Tribune learned that Taitano appeared before Naraja for his arraignment.
Assistant public defender Eden Schwartz, counsel for Taitano, informed the court that the defendant pleads not guilty of all charges.
Taitano either kicked or pounded the table, spat, and uttered in loud voice,” F—k you, judge!”
Judge Naraja remanded Taitano back into the custody of the Department of Corrections.
As a court marshal escorted him out the courtroom, Taitano badmouthed the marshal and became belligerent. Other marshals responded to assist the other court marshal and a DOC officer.
Assistant attorney general Peter Prestley appeared for the government at the hearing.
Police responded to Jin Li Store in Dandan last March 14 after receiving a report that a man, later identified as Taitano, threw rocks at the main entrance glass door and entered the store. The suspect then threw more rocks at a cashier and her two co-workers.
The victims were not hit but some items were shattered.
Police learned that Taitano had threatened to kill his mother, some family members, and everyone else. He also allegedly made a threat that he would kill U.S. District Court Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona. (Ferdie de la Torre)
