Saipan Tribune

Sunday, May 19, 2013

Tuesday, January 22, 2013

Repeat offender gets maximum sentence for stealing beer, gin

A repeat offender who committed another crime by stealing alcoholic beverages at a store in Oleai was sentenced to a maximum sentence of one year in prison.

“The court finds that the defendant failed to learn from his prior conviction and change his life to be a law-abiding citizen, therefore defendant's new criminal acts warrant greater retribution and incarceration to provide for lasting deterrence,” said Superior Court Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho in sentencing Joseph Laniyo Lisua for theft.

The judge ordered the 26-year-old Lisua to serve the one-year prison term day for day, without the possibility of parole, early release, work release, weekend release or any other similar program.

Lisua was given credit for four months of time served. After completing his sentence, he will be placed on probation for two years. He was required to pay $25 court costs plus probation fee, perform 50 hours of community service, and pay restitution to Oleai Store.

Lisua is barred from going within 100 feet of Oleai Store and is required to report to the Community Guidance Center for alcohol and drug screening assessment and complete any recommended counseling.

Lisua is not allowed to consume or possess any alcoholic beverages or controlled substances during his probation.

The Office of the Attorney General charged Lisua with burglary, theft, criminal trespass, conspiracy to commit burglary, and conspiracy to commit theft. He pleaded guilty to theft as part of a plea deal. The remaining charges were dropped.

According to court papers, Lisua conspired with a co-defendant to steal four cases of beer and one bottle of Ginebra Gin from Oleai Store on Aug. 21, 2012.

Lisua was also convicted of theft in 2006 and sentenced to only 30 days, with 30 days credit for time served.

Last month, Camacho rejected Lisua's plea agreement after finding it too lenient. Camacho is known for rejecting lenient plea agreements and imposing maximum sentences particularly on habitual offenders.

Under the first plea deal, the government recommended a one-year sentence, all suspended except for three months with credit for three months time served.