Notorious burglar arrested for robbery, sexual assault

  Martin T. Castro Jr., a notorious burglar, was arrested again on Thursday, this time for allegedly robbing an employee of a car rental company and sexually assaulting her.

A surveillance camera that Castro allegedly tried to destroy was instrumental in the police’s investigation leading to his arrest.

Castro, 26, was taken to the Superior Court yesterday afternoon on charges of robbery, burglary, assault and battery, disturbing the peace, criminal mischief, and sexual assault in the second degree.

Superior Court associate judge Joseph N. Camacho found probable cause to continue the detention of Castro on all charges.

Camacho imposed a $42,250 cash bail for the defendant’s temporary release.

Preliminary hearing will be on June 27 at 9am.

At the hearing, assistant attorney general Darren Robinson called to the witness stand Detective Melissa Bauleong, who narrated to the court the circumstances leading to Castro’s arrest.

Bauleong said based on preliminary investigation an employee of QQ Car Rental left their office in Susupe on Thursday morning.

When the employee came back after a few minutes, she was surprised that a man later identified as Castro was already inside their office.

The employee asked Castro to leave, but the suspect grabbed the victim’s purse containing $500 that she placed on a desk.

Castro then allegedly grabbed the employee from behind and dragged her to a room. As both fell on the floor, the suspect allegedly touched the victim’s private parts.

The victim struggled and managed to run outside where she then called the police. Castro also fled.

Police learned that Castro noticed a surveillance camera in the establishment so he removed it, then threw it from the window.

The surveillance camera, however, was not destroyed as it landed on a grassy area. Police recovered the equipment and reviewed the footage, resulting in the identification of Castro.

Castro is still on probation in connection with a 2010 burglary case in which he pleaded guilty. He also pleaded guilty in another burglary case in 2005.

In September 2010, Associate Judge David A. Wiseman imposed a one-year jail term on Castro for stealing a laptop computer belonging to a woman.

“You’re already 24 years old. Change your criminal career,” Wiseman then told Castro.

The plea agreement stated that, on July 17, 2010 on Saipan, Castro stole the laptop computer belong to Carol S. Williams.

In September 2009, police also arrested Castro for allegedly trying to break into one of the classrooms of San Antonio Elementary School. A digital camera was found in his possession.

Castro and two minors were arrested in December 2003 after they were identified as those who burglarized and stole several items from a law office of retired presiding judge Edward Manibusan.