Man gets one year for burglarizing WSR, Office of the Public Defender

Vincent Gaza Sanchez was slapped with a one-year prison term for burglarizing the William S. Reyes Elementary School in Chalan Kanoa and the Office of the Public Defender in Susupe.

Superior Court Associate Judge Teresa Kim-Tenorio sentenced the 20-year-old Sanchez last week to a total of 10 years in prison, all suspended except for one year, to be served without parole but with credit for time served

Upon completing his sentence, Sanchez will be placed on probation for five years. He was ordered to pay a $100 fine, plus court costs and probation fees.

Sanchez was ordered to pay his pro rata share of restitution to WSR Elementary School in the amount of $1,858 and pay $7,258 in restitution to the Office of the Public Defender.

Sanchez was required to perform 200 hours of community service, complete drug and anger management counseling, and seek assistance from the Northern Marianas Protection and Advocacy Systems Inc. to help manage his disability.

Sanchez was ordered to cooperate with the Office of the Attorney General and testify against co-defendant Ignacio Leon Guerrero and four juvenile co-defendants in the two cases.

In the WSR burglary case, Sanchez, along with three juveniles, stole equipment, student resources, and hardware tools. In the PDO burglary case, Sanchez entered the office several times and stole laptops, food, and clothing.

Kim-Tenorio said the circumstances of the cases, as well as Sanchez’s juvenile history, show that he is a threat to the community.

Although no one was physically injured by Sanchez’s actions, Kim-Tenorio said she is troubled by his audacity to burglarize community pillars such as places of learning and public service at times when resources are already limited.

“Additionally, the court is troubled by the example [Sanchez] sets for the juveniles he coaches to follow in his action,” she said.

Kim-Tenorio also noted that the presentence investigation report shows that Sanchez is developmentally delayed, both academically and socially. While Sanchez understands the concept of right and wrong, Kim-Tenorio said, he is susceptible to poor decision-making and vulnerable to inducement.

“Given defendant’s ability to admit to his crimes and show remorse, the court believes him to be suitable for rehabilitation, given the correct tools, support and guidelines,” the judge said.

Kim-Tenorio added that OPD’s written statement suggests that this community sympathizes for Sanchez’s circumstances and is prepared to forgive him for his actions.

In the WSR case, the Office of the Attorney General charged Sanchez with burglary, theft, and conspiracy to commit burglary and/or theft.

In the OPD case, the OAG charged the defendant with four counts of burglary, four counts of theft, and three counts of criminal mischief.

Sanchez pleaded guilty to two counts of burglary as part of a plea deal. He was represented by attorney Stephen Nutting. The government was represented by assistant attorney general Heather Barcinas.

Sanchez’s co-defendant, Ignacio Leon Guerrero Jr., also pleaded guilty to burglary last June 30 in connection with the WSR incident. He is awaiting sentencing.