Ex-convict asks court to modify bail

An ex-convict who was arrested last weekend for allegedly beating up his girlfriend and threatening to kill her brother with a knife and a golf club, filed Friday a motion to modify his bail.

Attorney Michael Dotts, who appeared as counsel for defendant Jeronimo S. Ada in the motion to modify bail only, said Ada is unable to pay the $7,000 cash bail and therefore, remains in jail.

Dotts said Ada is employed and likely to lose his employment if he is not released soon.

Ada, 35, works as a delivery man for a newspaper (not Saipan Tribune).

Dotts said the defendant is able to post an appearance bond secured by a mortgage on two real properties owned by his mother.

The lawyer proposed Ada’s mother to be appointed as third-party custodian.

The motion hearing will be heard on Monday, March 19.

Detective Peter A. Aldan stated in his report that on the early morning of March 4, 2012 the girlfriend was awakened when Ada was already in her bedroom at her residence in Upper Miha.

Aldan said Ada took the girlfriend’s cellphone and left aboard his truck.

A few minutes later, the girlfriend was surprised again when Ada walked into her bedroom despite her already having locked all the doors.

Ada allegedly confronted her of having a lot of numbers on her cellphone, choked her, punched her on the breast, and threatened to kill her.

The girlfriend’s brother and his friend were awakened by the shouting. Ada allegedly grabbed a vase and was going to hit the brother.

The girlfriend, however, grabbed the vase. Ada then grabbed a knife from the kitchen and wanted to stab the brother.

The girlfriend bit Ada’s arm, causing him to drop the knife on the floor.

The brother lifted Ada and slammed him on the ground in the garage. The brother released Ada, but the defendant grabbed a golf club and threatened to kill him.

The brother and others ran back into the house and locked the door.

Ada then allegedly boarded his truck and drove away recklessly.

Aldan said the girlfriend is scared for her life and for her family members.

Ada was among three men who carjacked a pickup truck and robbed its owner in Koblerville in July 1999. All defendants pleaded guilty in federal court.

The federal court sentenced Ada to eight years and six months in prison.

Ada was also one of the three detainees who bolted out of the Susupe prison in October 2009.