Man gets two-month prison term for punching girlfriend

A sex offender who punched his girlfriend during an argument at their house in Kagman 2 has been slapped with a 60-day prison sentence.

Thirty-year-old Dickson Teruo Cosmes was allowed to start serving his prison term at the Department of Corrections on Jan. 3, 2016, at 8am.

Cosmes is expected to be released from DOC’s custody on Feb. 26, 2016, at 8am as he was given credit for time served.

After completing his prison sentence, Cosmes will be placed on supervised probation for two years. He was ordered to pay a total fine in the amount of $300, $50 court costs, and $200 probation fee. He was required to perform 150 hours of community service.

Superior Court Associate Judge Kenneth L. Govendo directed Cosmes to abide by the terms and conditions of the Sex Offender Registry, including notifying the Department of Public Safety of any address change within two days and not living in a household with any non-biological minors.

For not complying with the registration requirements of the Sex Offender Registry, Cosmes was sentenced to two years, all suspended except for 60 days, including the seven days of time served.

For assault and battery, Cosmes was sentenced to one year imprisonment, all suspended except for 30 days, including seven days of time served.

The sentence shall be concurrent to the first offense. That means the total prison term on both counts is 60 days.

Cosmes was also ordered to attend anger management counseling at the Community Guidance Center.

At a change of plea hearing last week, Cosmes pleaded guilty to noncompliance with the Sex Offender Registry registration requirements and assault and battery. The remaining charge of disturbing the peace was dropped as part of the plea deal.

According to the plea agreement, in December 2014 to Feb. 17, 2015, on Saipan, Cosmes failed to update a change in his residence with DPS when he moved into the home of his girlfriend in Kagman II.

On Feb. 17, 2015, Cosmes punched the victim in the face for checking her Facebook account.

Police detective Rhonda C. John stated in her report that a police officer responded to a residence in Kagman II last Feb. 17, at 8:40pm, in response to a domestic violence incident.

The victim told police she was inside the bedroom of her sister when Cosmes accused her of looking for a boyfriend on Facebook. He then punched her in the face. She took a butane gas container and hit him with it on the head.

Police learned that on Dec. 11, 2001, Cosmes admitted to the offense of rape and served prison term.

Police found out that there are minors in the house, in violation of Sex Offender Act, prohibiting him from staying at a residence where minors are present. (Ferdie de la Torre)