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Another evaluation for man who stole judge’s gun
The U.S. District Court for the NMI ordered again last Wednesday another psychiatric examination of Cling Philip Kaipat, who was due to be sentenced for stealing a gun from the house of Superior Court Associate Judge Kenneth L. Govendo.
At a status conference, Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona said a psychiatric or psychological examination of Kaipat, preferably at a Bureau of Prison where he has previously been assessed, would show whether he is competent to be sentenced.
Manglona said a hearing to determine Kaipat’s competency will be scheduled after the report is received.
The judge set a status conference for July 11, 2018 at 9am.
The status conference last Wednesday was set to discuss whether Kaipat was competent to proceed with the sentencing. The sentencing has been postponed several times because of Kaipat’s erratic behavior.
Kaipat earlier told the court that he is not in the right state of mind, that he continues to take his medications and that they cause some side effects. Kaipat informed the court he feels he should be re-evaluated.
In March 2016, Manglona granted the U.S. government’s motion for a psychiatric examination to determine Kaipat’s competency.
In November 2017, Kaipat pleaded guilty in federal court to possession of a stolen firearm.
Kaipat stole a 9mm Smith and Wesson pistol on Nov. 5, 2015, while burglarizing Govendo’s home on Saipan.
