Benavente pleads not guilty to ‘ice’ trafficking

Posted on Mar 12 2019

Former Drug Court graduate Skyler James Benavente has pleaded not guilty to new “ice” trafficking allegations.

During his arraignment hearing, Benavente, 32, pleaded not guilty to trafficking of methamphetamine or “ice” before presiding judge Roberto Naraja.

Benavente was represented by the Office of the Public Defender while the Office of the Attorney General’s Chester Hinds represented the government.

According to court information, Benavente was arrested following a “buy-walk” operation of the Drug Enforcement Task Force on Jan. 31, 2019.

Court information states that a cooperating source helped task force officers in a sting operation last Jan. 31, 2019, during which they were able to allegedly procure a small ziplock bag from Benavente that contained a crystalline substance that later tested positive for methamphetamine.

Kimberly Bautista Esmores | Reporter

Kimberly Bautista Esmores has covered a wide range of news beats, including the community, housing, crime, and more. She now covers sports for the Saipan Tribune. Contact her at kimberly_bautista@saipantribune.com.

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