Notorious burglar gets maximum 20 years in prison

A notorious burglar who pleaded guilty to burglarizing eight vehicles in San Vicente and violating his probation in two previous convictions has been sentenced to a maximum of 20 years in prison.

“The court reminds the defendant and others who break the law that the sign at the front of this building says House of Justice,” Superior Court Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho told the 26-year-old Roland Hernandez Muña.

Camacho noted that Muña is a repeat offender who has made a career out of committing crimes from a very young age.

Muña has four other past criminal cases as an adult and four criminal cases, one curfew violation, and one driving under the influence case when he was a juvenile.

Camacho pointed out that it’s the first time that Muna’s case has been assigned to his court.

“Due to an extensive criminal history the court imposes a sentence that will ensure Muña will spend each and every day for the next 20 years as an inmate of the CNMI Department of Corrections,” Camacho said.

Muña pleaded guilty to burglary, theft, and criminal mischief as part of a plea deal. He also admitted to violating his probation in his two prior criminal convictions. He was represented in the case by assistant public defender Matthew Meyer.

Assistant attorney general Heather Barcinas represented the government.

Camacho first sentenced Muña to 15 years in prison, to be served without the possibility of parole, for burglary, theft, and criminal mischief.

For violating probation in two prior criminal convictions, Camacho sentenced Muña to five more years in prison, also to be served without the possibility of parole,

Both sentences shall run consecutively, which means the total prison term is 20 years, with credit for time served.

Camacho said the restitution ordered in two prior criminal cases, amounting to $4,140 and $340, shall be converted to a civil judgment.

Muña was also prohibited from having any contact with his victims and to stay at least 100 feet away from Hilltop Apartments and Stanford Apartments.

Muña burglarized a 2006 Toyota Yaris at Stanford Hotel/Apartments in San Vicente on May 27, 2015, and damaged the car’s rear passenger triangular window. He stole a golf club set, Nike kids gold bag containing golf clubs and golf balls, Marc Jacob sunglasses, USB chargers, two boxes of dictionaries, Dior sunglasses, and a $20 gas card.

Police arrested Muña after a witness called 911 at 1:41am about a burglary and theft in progress on vehicles in the parking lot of Stanford Hotel.

Police officers responded and arrested Muña after a chase.

Police detective Catherine B. Pangelinan handled the investigation.