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Court finds search of man’s car to be lawful
The Superior Court has denied the motion to suppress the evidence that was found following the search done on a vehicle of a man who is being accused of stealing firearms from the Tinian shooting range last year.
Superior Court Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja has denied the motion to suppress evidence in the case of Dennis Sanchez Reyes, saying the warrantless inventory search of Sanchez’s government vehicle was lawful, pursuant to CNMI law.
“The evidence obtained from the search performed need not be suppressed,” the judge stated.
As to Reyes’ statements to police in September 2022, Naraja concluded that officers did not coerce the defendant.
“The totality of the circumstances shows, by a preponderance of the evidence, that defendant was cognizant and capable of making a voluntary, knowing, and intelligent waiver of his rights. The court finds no evidence that the officers threatened defendant, used harsh language, or coerced him in any way,” said Naraja.
Reyes, 35, has been charged with nine counts of possession of an illegal firearm, two counts of failing to possess a firearm owner’s registration card, two counts of prohibited sale and transfer of a firearm, and one count of unlawful possession of ammunition. He was allegedly caught selling firearms from a private Tinian shooting range that he had allegedly burglarized. (Kimberly B. Esmores)
