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Camera catches ex-convict stealing bag
A man who just had a domestic violence conviction in October was arrested again on Wednesday, this time for allegedly stealing a bag that had a Canon camera worth $821 that was on the front desk of the Saipan World Resort in Susupe.
The hotel’s surveillance camera led to the arrest of Anthony Mendiola Palacios, 33, for theft.
Police said Palacios confessed to stealing the camera and also admitted to other thefts within Garapan. His bail was set at $10,000 cash; preliminary hearing is on Feb. 1 at 9am.
Assistant public defender Nancy Dominski was appointed as counsel for Palacios. Assistant attorney general Shannon Foley appeared for the government.
Police said that T Galleria employees had a Christmas party at the Royal Taga Hall last Dec. 9 and one staff forgot the camera at the venue. Hotel employees cleaning up the ballroom later found the bag with the camera and turned it over to the front desk. The supervisor tagged the bag and left it under the front desk counter.
On Dec. 12, G4S Security called the police to report the theft incident. The surveillance camera showed that on Dec. 10 at 7:30am, a man, later identified as Palacios, walked up to the front desk, used the phone, pulled out the bag, and walked out of the lobby.
Police reviewed a copy of the surveillance video last Jan. 16 and confirmed it was Palacios in the footage.
In an interview with police on Jan. 17 at the DPS Commonwealth Investigation Bureau, Palacios allegedly confessed to the crime.
Last Oct. 26, Palacios pleaded guilty to assault and battery for beating up his girlfriend in Garapan in September 2015. He was sentenced to one year in prison, all suspended except for 18 days, with credit for 18 days of time served.
