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Two face charges for allegedly taking sea turtle
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Posted on Sep 01 2020
Two men are currently facing charges in the U.S District Court for illegally trying to take a green sea turtle, which is considered an endangered species.
Russel Rekemel Solomon and Jose Machutaro Ichiro Sablan are facing the charge of conspiracy to unlawfully take an endangered species when they allegedly dragged the green sea turtle by a rope tied around its shell across Tank Beach in Kagman last June 7, 2020. Included in the charge is a notice of forfeiture to the U.S. government of any material used for taking or selling of the turtle.
On Aug. 21, 2020, Solomon and Sablan appeared before District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona and pleaded not guilty. The jury trial will take place on Oct. 27, 2020 at 10am.
Since the U.S. government did not request for the detention of the two, Manglona ordered Solomon and Sablan to be released on their own personal recognizance with certain conditions.
David Banes was appointed by the court to represent Solomon, while Sablan will be represented by Steven Pixley. At the hearing, Assistant U.S. Attorney Garth Backe represented the federal government.
The charge against the two were previously sealed as requested by the prosecution.
