Jury finds Falig not guilty

A federal court jury acquitted former Corrections officer Mariano Q. Falig Jr. yesterday of charges that he distributed methamphetamine or “ice” on Saipan.

After deliberating for a day and a half, the 12 jurors unanimously found the 35-year-old Falig not guilty of conspiracy to distribute “ice” and distribution of “ice.”

Falig’s wife was already crying in court even before a court staff read the verdict. Family members and relatives clapped upon hearing the not-guilty verdict.

Falig told the media that he believes justice was done.

“My lawyer did a good job,” said Falig as he and his counsel, Bruce Berline, wife, family members, and relatives emerged from the courtroom yesterday afternoon.

Berline said they are very pleased with the jury and their decision. “They’re outstanding jury. You could tell that they’re attentive throughout the process,” Berline said.

The defense lawyer said it took the jurors a day and a half to consider all the evidence.

“And we know that they took their time and were thorough with their job and came up with the right and just verdict,” Berline said.

Assistant U.S. attorney Ross Naughton refused to comment after the verdict. Assistant U.S. attorney Garth Backe assisted him in the retrial of Falig.

An indictment charged Falig and his second cousin, Vicente Aldan Sablan, also known as Ben Seven, with conspiracy to distribute “ice” and distribution of “ice.”

In addition, Falig was charged with using, carrying, or possession of a firearm during and in relation to a crime of violence or drug trafficking crime. The U.S. government later dismissed this count.

Sablan signed a plea deal with the U.S. government. He testified on Thursday for the U.S. government.

According to DEA Task Force officer Diwain A. Stephen in his report, their confidential source gave Sablan $800 in ATF funds (Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms, and Explosives) for a controlled purchase of “ice” from Falig on March 22, 2011.

Sablan testified that Falig called him that there’s big amount of money to purchase “ice.” Sablan said their neighbor (a confidential source) arrived at Falig’s house in Tanapag and handed him $700 to buy “ice.”

Sablan said he and his other cousin, Robin Sablan, proceeded to Lower Navy Hill where they purchased “ice” from a supplier.

In March 2013, Manglona declared a mistrial after Falig’s then counsel, Ramon K. Quichocho, disclosed shortly after jury selection that he represents the prosecution’s key witness in a family court proceeding.

The retrial of Falig began last Feb. 24.