Alleged No. 2 of ‘ice’ suppliers kept detained

The federal court ordered yesterday the continued detention of Yu Hua Wang, allegedly the second in command of a group of drug suppliers on Saipan, pending further proceedings in the case.

U.S. District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona Manglona determined that Wang poses a flight risk and noted that the large amount of meth involved in the case—135.6 gross grams—implicates a serious punishment.

“The seriousness of the charges was established,” Manglona said.

Except for having a minor daughter, Wang has no ties in the community and has also no legal investment, Manglona said.

She noted that Wang has a prior arrest for “ice” charges, although the case was later dismissed in Superior Court.

Manglona said the evidence against Wang, including audio and video recordings, provides clear and convincing evidence that no condition of release will assure the community’s safety.

The judge set the preliminary hearing for March 10.

Manglona said that Robert T. Torres, as court-appointed counsel for Wang, can coordinate with the Division of Youth Services if Wang wants to communicate with his daughter. DYS has custody of the child.

Manglona said that Torres will continue as Wang’s counsel until the U.S. Probation Office completes a financial affidavit of the defendant.

Probation officer Margarita Wonenberg said that Wang declined to complete his financial affidavit and at first stated he would hire his own lawyer, but later changed his mind, saying he wants to keep Torres as his court-appointed counsel.

Torres had sought for Wang’s temporary release upon posting a property bond plus other conditions.

Torres cited, among other things, that no firearm was involved in the case, there was no report that Wang violated the pre-trial conditions in his previous Superior Court case, and he has a minor daughter.

Assistant U.S. attorney Rami Badawy opposed Wang’s release.

Wang was among seven persons recently arrested by joint local and federal law enforcement agencies for alleged “ice” distribution.

Drug Enforcement Administration special agent Jacqueline R. Gordon disclosed in court documents that Wang and Xing Bo Fang distributed “ice” on Dec. 27, 2013.

Gordon said Fang, who is the alleged leader of “ice” distributors on Saipan, is the source of “ice” supply for several Chinese nationals, including Wang.