Witness in crime spree gets 22 months

For failing to report to authorities a criminal act, a Saipan man will spend the next 22 months in jail to serve out a sentence imposed him yesterday by the U.S. District Court.

Francisco N. Basa, 24, was also ordered to pay restitution to the victims of a carjacking and robbery incident that took place in July 1999.

After his release from federal prison where he must participate in a drug and mental health program for anger management, he will be under supervised release for one year as well as perform 100 hours of community service, according to Judge Alex R. Munson.

Mr. Basa pled guilty last February to one count of concealing and failing to report to proper authority of the United States as soon as possible a felony of carjacking in connection with the incident.

The charge carries a maximum penalty of up to three years in jail, one year of supervised release and a fine of up to $250,000, but federal prosecutors recommended lighter punishment following the plea agreement and his offer of assistance to authorities.

The case stemmed from the July 11, 1999 incident in which three of his friends — Jeronimo S. Ada, Melvin N. Basa and Jeffrey S. Basa — had admitted their guilt and are now serving time in federal prison that range from eight to 11 years.

Frankie Basa will have to pay, jointly with the three defendants, $7,439 to the victims and to the Commonwealth Health Center for their hospital bills, as well as $100 in assessment fee.

Investigation showed that victim Wu Guo Quing left his pickup with the engine running at the ABCD market in Koblerville. The victim, who came from the laundry beside the market, saw his 1992 Mazda vehicle being driven away by a group of men.

Instantly, Mr. Wu jumped onto the back of his pickup. About 200 yards away, the pickup stopped and another vehicle where Frankie Basa was one of the passengers pulled from behind.
Within minutes, the men on board these two vehicles started beating up Mr. Wu. The victim said he was hit with a hard object on the head.

Still not satisfied, they took his pickup, followed by friends in the other vehicle, proceeded to Jia Jia store in Chalan Piao where they robbed Fleming Horumi Ueda and Jia Jia Jeng Ueda.

They also destroyed some of the properties of the couple, stabbed Mr. Ueda and fled with $500. The three main defendants told the prosecution Frankie Basa had tried to talk them out of committing the crimes, according to U.S. Assistant Attorney David T. Wood.

Because of the injuries sustained by the victims, Judge Munson ordered the four to pay $4,088 for Mr. Wu, $1,483 to the Ueda couple and $1,868 to CHC.