Previous Story
Seven federal prisoners pleaded not guilty
|
Posted on Apr 05 1999
In their first appearance before the federal court on charges of hostage-taking, the seven prisoners who were named for the crime each pleaded not guilty last Holy Friday.
William C. Sablan, Vicente Aldan Jr., Ryan Babauta, Arcel Basto, Jeffrey Celis, Edwin Blas and Sheldon Yano separately expressed innocence over the charges filed against each.
Based on the findings of the investigation jointly conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms and the CNMI’s Department of Public Safety, the seven were named for allegedly conspiring to threaten, oppress, intimidate and physically assault Chinese and Filipino nationals at the male
Detention Center during a prison siege last month.
After their plea, the seven are scheduled to appear on June 7.
Except for Yano, the six inmates also face seven counts each of various firearms violations considered as federal offenses during a prison standoff.
Yano, who is a citizen of the Republic of Palau and a new name added to this rebellious group, was denied bail until such time the federal court finds reason to grant him.
The group, who are now detained on Guam, arrived early Friday morning and were under the custody of the U.S. Marshal.
While most of the local residents took the yearly trek to Mt. Tapochau, relatives and friends of the seven inmates trooped to the Horiguchi building to see the prisoners.
