Man caught burglarizing store gets 1-year sentence

A man who was caught burglarizing a closed store in Koblerville late at night was sentenced yesterday to one year in prison.

Superior Court Associate Judge David A. Wiseman sentenced the 22-year-old Romileo O. Sahagon to three years in prison, all suspended except for one year, for burglary.

In a written order yesterday, the judge noted that Sahagon has some sort of psychological condition and a learning disability that has been diagnosed.

“The disability does not excuse criminal conduct; however, it is a factor the court considers for reducing the individual’s culpability for that conduct and the risk of harm,” said Wiseman, acknowledging the pleas for leniency from family members and friends. The judge also noted that Sahagon has no criminal history.

Sahagon was given credit of eight months and 27 days for time served. He is expected to be released from the Department of Corrections on Aug. 10, 2015.

After completing his sentence, Sahagon will be placed on probation for two years. He was ordered to pay a $100 court assessment fee, perform 100 hours of community service, and undergo any recommended counseling from the Community Guidance Center.

Wiseman said the crimes of burglary and theft continue to have a negative and chilling effect for people of the CNMI, and this is an aggravating factor.

Wiseman noted that, as mitigating factors, Sahagon was caught in the act by the couple storeowners when they entered the store while it was closed to make coffee. The female storeowner became so frightened that she had to be rushed to the hospital.

Immediately after being caught in the act, Sahagon surrendered, cooperated in the investigation, and immediately accepted responsibility.

Assistant attorney general Heather B. Barcinas recommended a sentence of one year in prison and probation for five years. Chief Public Defender Douglas Hartig, counsel for Sahagon, recommended eight months in prison with credit for time served and probation.

The Office of Adult Probation recommended a one-year prison term plus probation.

Sahagon and Hartig entered a plea deal with the government, represented by assistant attorney general Heather B. Barcinas.

Last Nov. 12, Sahagon pleaded guilty to burglary. The incident happened at Flo’s Mini Mart in Koblerville in August 2014.