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Judge orders competency hearing for habitual offender
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Posted on Feb 26 2016
U.S. District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona has granted the U.S. government’s request to hold a hearing to determine whether habitual offender Gilbert Kaipat is competent to stand trial.
Kaipat is facing charges both in federal and local courts over the burglary at the house of Superior Court Associate Judge Kenneth L. Govendo where he allegedly stole the judge’s gun and ammunition.
Manglona set the hearing for March 8, 2016, on the U.S. government’s motion for psychiatric or psychological evaluation to determine Kaipat’s competency to stand trial.
Manglona on Tuesday granted the U.S. government’s request to vacate the March 8, 2016, trial date due to concerns of defendant’s mental health.
The judge said she will reset the trial date after a decision on the motion to determine defendant’s competency is ruled upon.
After the hearing on Tuesday, Kaipat was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshal.
Attorney Colin Thompson, counsel for Kaipat, did not oppose the government’s request.
Assistant U.S. attorney Russell H. Lorfing, counsel for the government, also stated that Kaipat’s real name based on his birth certificate is “Cling Philip Kaipat” and that he will file a superseding indictment to correct the name.
Court documents use the names “Philip Kaipat” and “Cling Kaipat.”
Lorfing requested the court to commit Kaipat to the custody of the Office of the Attorney General for placement in a facility in order to be evaluated by a psychiatrist or psychologist who will determine whether he is presently suffering from a mental disease or defect rendering him incompetent to stand trial.
Lorfing said there is evidence suggesting that the defendant may have mental issues.
