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Probable cause is found to try man accused of sexually abusing girl, 9
The Superior Court has found probable cause to try a man who is being accused of sexually abusing a 9-year-old girl.
Superior Court Associate Judge Joseph Camacho has found probable cause to try John Roman Lisua, 38, on one count of sexual abuse of a minor in the second degree, assault and battery, and disturbing the peace.
Camacho later remanded Lisua back to Department of Corrections and ordered him to return to court on July 24, for his arraignment.
During last Monday’s probable cause hearing, the government appeared through chief prosecutor Chester Hinds while the defendant was represented by assistant public defender Molly Dennert.
The court also heard the testimony of police detective Kroy A. Ogo.
According to Saipan Tribune archives, a woman and a 9-year-old child visited the Department of Public Safety’s main office in Susupe last June 22 to file a complaint.
The woman told police that Lisua sexually abused the child around April this year, but she only found out about it on the day they filed the complaint.
On June 27, the Department of Youth Services interviewed the child and learned that the abuse happened on April 19.
According to the child, Lisua had entered the bedroom where she had been spending the night in the early hours of April 19. The victim alleges that Lisua removed her blanket and pants and sexually abused her. The child told DYS that Lisua only stopped when she turned over and would not turn back despite the defendant forcing her to.
The victim claims she clearly saw that the person who sexually abused her was Lisua because when he came into the room and removed her blanket, a lamp was still on.
During a bail hearing last week, Camacho imposed a $25,000 cash bail on Lisua, who was initially facing charges of sexual abuse of a minor in the first degree, assault and battery, and disturbing the peace.
