Previous Story
US GOVT RESTS ITS CASE IN ROBERTO TRIAL
Drama unfolds anew during alleged victim’s mom’s testimony
»Mother says she had sexual relationship with Roberto, that defendant gave her drugs
Drama unfolded anew yesterday in the ongoing jury trial of Raymond B. Roberto when the mother of one of three alleged victims yelled at Roberto’s lawyer, Joaquin Torres, and accused Roberto of being a pedophile during her testimony in federal court.
The separate incidents prompted U.S. District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona to direct the jurors to leave the courtroom and call the lawyers for sidebar discussions. The judge later called for an early recess at 4:30pm and told the jurors to return today, Tuesday.
The defense counsel began calling yesterday morning their own witnesses, including the mother of one of three alleged victims, after Assistant U.S. Attorney Rami S. Badawy rested the prosecution’s case.
During direct examination, Torres asked the 41-year-old mother about her sexual relationship with the 41-year-old Roberto. The mother replied that it’s none of Torres’ business and that his client, Roberto, is a pedophile. The mother was then escorted out of the courtroom.
After several minutes, the trial resumed and the mother returned to the witness stand.
Without the presence of the jurors, Manglona asked the mother if she’s fine now, to which the witness said yes. Manglona then explained the proceedings to the mother, telling her that although this is an emotional time for her, order should be maintained in court to continue the process.
The judge then called the jurors, explained to them what happened and instructed them that the mother’s statements about Roberto being a pedophile are stricken from the record.
Torres then continued questioning the mother, who appeared calm by that time.
Later in her testimony, the mother recalled that she and Roberto went to Parkville Motel in Gualo Rai in August 2013 and that it was daytime, to which Torres said, “Daytime? Wow!”
The mother called out Torres for being sarcastic. When Torres said he’s not, she snapped: “Yes, you are!”
Manglona immediately intervened and asked Torres not to give commentaries.
The mother then stated that she does not remember some dates or incidents because she was a drug addict. “Your client was giving me drugs!” she told Torres.
Manglona immediately struck out that part of the mother’s statement.
The mother became emotional again when she recalled that her daughter would lie to her in small things, but not “like this” with Roberto.
The mother started crying and confronted Torres, “Are you for real? Are you out of your mind?” The witness was then escorted out of the courtroom. The jurors were asked to leave the courtroom and Manglona called for a sidebar discussion again.
After a few minutes, the mother was back on the witness stand, but Manglona ordered another recess.
In her testimony, the mother said that she and Roberto have had a sexual relationship since 2007. She disclosed that they had sex at Parkville Motel and at Roberto’s farm.
Before the mother’s testimony yesterday, the defense called police detectives Catherine B. Pangelinan, Rhonda John, and Jesse Dubrall regarding their interviews on the alleged victims.
Roberto is on trial for three counts of enticing three minors to engage in prostitution and one count of witness tampering.
