Saipan Tribune

Sunday, May 26, 2013

Saturday, October 13, 2012

NEWS BRIEFS - Oct. 13, 2012

Charges filed vs ex-probation officer amended

The U.S. government filed yesterday a replacement indictment against former Division of Youth Services probation officer Leonard Urumelog Ordonez for alleged conspiracy and distribution of methamphetamine or “ice.” The superseding indictment charged Ordonez with one count of conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and one count of distribution of methamphetamine. According to the replacement indictment, Ordonez conspired with Robin Norita Sablan and Ofelia Pua Sablan and with other persons to distribute “ice” on March 24, 2011. Ordonez allegedly aided Robin Sablan in the distribution of 0.83 grams of “ice.” The original indictment included Robin Sablan and his wife Ofelia as Ordonez's co-defendant in the conspiracy count. The Sablan couple have signed a plea agreement with the U.S. government. They were set to appear yesterday afternoon for a change of plea hearing in federal court. (Ferdie de la Torre)

EMO warns of high surf

The Emergency Management Office issued yesterday a high surf advisory that warns the public to avoid venturing near exposed reefs and beaches due to life threatening rip currents. EMO said that a large west to northwest swell generated by distant Typhoon Prapiroon will produce hazardous surf across the Marianas through early next week. The high surf advisory is in effect until 4pm Tuesday. “Hazardous surf of 7 to 9 feet along west and north facing reefs will rise to 10 to 12 feet on Sunday and remain at these levels through Monday. Surf is expected to fall bellow hazardous level on Tuesday,” states part of the advisory. It advises the public to avoid venturing near exposed reefs and beaches along north and west facing reefs as rip currents are life threatening. (EMO)