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Ex-convict who siphoned fuel is ordered to do relief work
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Posted on Oct 07 2015
Superior Court Associate Judge Teresa Kim-Tenorio has ordered ex-convict Benter J. Castro to perform 200 hours of community service toward Typhoon Soudelor relief efforts for siphoning fuel from two vans just weeks after the typhoon shattered the island.
Kim-Tenorio sentenced the 40-year-old Castro to one year in prison, all suspended except for 40 days with credit for time served. He was placed on probation for one year. He was required to pay restitution to Xin Li Zhao in the amount of $50 before the end of his probation.
Castro was also ordered to complete substance abuse counseling and pay a $100 fine, $25 court costs, and $100 probation fee.
The Office of the Attorney General had charged Castro with theft and criminal mischief. He and counsel signed a plea deal, with the government represented by assistant attorney general Heather Barcinas. He pleaded guilty to theft; the government dropped the criminal mischief charge.
According to the factual basis of the plea agreement, Castro stole 5 gallons of gasoline belonging to Xin Li Zhao on Aug. 25, 2015, on Saipan. The case against Castro’s co-defendant, Vincent P. Cabrera, is pending in court.
According to court papers, Castro and Cabrera smoked methamphetamine or “ice” prior to siphoning fuel from two vans.
Police detective Edward M. Cepeda disclosed in his report that Cabrera admitted to siphoning gasoline from a van at Resta Horizon Apartments in Sadog Tasi and from another van at the Sandy Beach Homes in Chalan Kanoa last Aug. 25.
