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Trial of alleged burglar continues
A Superior Court jury trial continued yesterday in the case against notorious habitual offender Ramon Cabrera Blas, who is accused of burglarizing an apartment complex and stealing a couple’s jewelry, money, and other items worth $22,875.
The government called to the witness stand police detective Catherine Pangelinan, who basically narrated to the court their investigation that led to the search of Blas’ residence and his arrest in November 2014.
Pangelinan testified that among the items they recovered at Blas’ house was a necklace that belonged to one of the victims.
Pangelinan also disclosed that Blas confessed committing the crimes and even led her and other investigators to the locations where he hid other stolen items.
When Saipan Tribune left the courtroom yesterday shortly before noon, the detective was still on the witness stand.
Assistant attorney general Heather Barcinas and acting prosecutor Chester Hinds are prosecuting the case. Chief Public Defender Douglas Hartig and assistant public defender Michael Sato are counsels for Blas.
Associate Judge Theresa Kim-Tenorio is presiding over the trial.
Pangelinan stated in her report that Blas burglarized the couple’s apartment unit owned by retired Superior Court judge Juan T. Lizama on Aug. 21 and Nov. 9, 2014.
Last June, Superior Court Associate Judge David A. Wiseman imposed a three-year imprisonment sentence on 56-year-old Blas for violating his probation.
Wiseman reiterated the court’s position—as stated at several other hearings for Blas and also mentioned by the government—that the defendant “is a continuing menace to our community” and should be incapacitated or isolated from society by remaining in prison.
