Ex-convict allegedly found in possession of 20 bags of pot

An ex-convict whose federal probation was revoked many times due to continued use of illegal drugs has allegedly been found in possession of 20 bags of marijuana.

U.S. Probation Officer Gregory F. Arriola informed the U.S. District Court for the NMI last week that Steven Faisao Abal does not appear to be amenable to supervision due to his continued violation of probation conditions.

Arriola recommended that the 11-month imprisonment term, ordered by Senior Judge Alex R. Munson last May 13, be immediately imposed.

By doing so, Abal would reach his maximum term of imprisonment imposed for the original offense, Arriola said.

Arriola stated in his report that he and two deputy U.S. Marshals visited Abal’s house on Saipan to monitor and conduct a random drug test. Inside Abal’s bedroom, Arriola saw several plastic transparent bags containing green leafy substance on top of a dresser. He said the substance later tested positive for marijuana.

The report did not indicate the weight of the 20 bags of marijuana.

When asked about the marijuana, Abal reportedly stated that the “weeds” were not his but his girlfriend’s cousin.

When asked if there were marijuana plants around the house, Abal said there were but they belonged to the “old man,” referring to George Duenas, who owns the house where Abal is staying.

When informed about Abal’s claims, Duenas confirmed that the plants belonged to him, Arriola said. Duenas allegedly explained that the marijuana plants were for his consumption because he heard that smoking the herb was good for a medical condition that he currently suffers from.

When told about the 20 bags found in Abal’s bedroom, Duenas allegedly admitted that the bags were also his and that he had asked Abal to store them out of children’s reach.

Arriola noted that when he saw the bags of marijuana, there was a child sleeping in the room.

The probation officer said that, according to Duenas, someone was supposed to stop by his residence and pick up the bags of marijuana.

Arriola said he informed Duenas that Abal should not be in possession of any illegal drugs because it was a violation of his conditions and against the law.

Arriola said Duenas explained that he thought that marijuana was no longer illegal in the CNMI, just like in Guam. Arriola informed Duenas that this information was incorrect.

On May 22, 2015, Abal reported to the U.S. Probation Office for a noncompliance meeting and drug test.

Abal said the information Duenas gave was accurate. Arriola pointed out that Abal initially stated that the bags belonged to his girlfriend’s cousin.

Abal acknowledged that he should not be in possession of any illegal drugs, including marijuana, and admitted that it was a bad decision on his part, according to Arriola.

Abal, however, denied ownership of the marijuana. He also denied selling them for profit. He submitted to a drug test and tested negative for the use of illegal drugs.

With the probation officer’s report, Abal was then summoned to explain in court why the revocation of his supervised release should not be imposed immediately.

Last month, Senior Judge Munson sentenced Abal to 11 months imprisonment. Munson, however, deferred the sentence for two months.

Abal was ordered to report to the U.S. Probation Office twice a week for drug testing during the two months of deferment.

If Abal tests positive during the two-month period, the sentence shall be imposed, the judge said.

Attorney Robert T. Torres is court-appointed counsel for Abal.

In a prior request for revocation, Arriola informed the court that Abal tested positive for the use of opiates on Feb. 15, 2015, and also admitted entering a poker establishment to gamble.

Abal was sentenced in October 2005 to 20 months in prison and five years of supervised release for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine or “ice.”