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Convict asks court to postpone jail time
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Posted on May 28 1999
A woman convicted of theft has asked the court to postpone her jail time until the Division of Corrections can offer her a secure place.
Rosita Eugenio, through her lawyer, filed a motion to postpone incarceration until the CNMI’s DOC can prove that its facilities will not harm her.
In her motion, she cited the civil action filed by the U.S. Attorney General at a district court alleging that prisoners at the DOC in Susupe are deprived of their rights for security and protection as provided for in the Constitution.
According to the civil action, the local prison maintains substandard conditions and has failed to provide adequate security, medical health care, sanitation and fire safety.
The law suit was based on the investigation made by the Department of Justice into the prevailing conditions inside the local jail. Its findings revealed that prisoners face risk for serious injuries brought by deficient fire safety and unsanitary conditions.
In the motion, Eugenio told the court that the CNMI government has committed to correct the substandard conditions by constructing a new facility and it is wise for her to wait.
She claimed her incarceration at this time would place put her at risk.
