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6 indicted for poker robberies
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Posted on Jun 09 2000
Six Saipan men were indicted yesterday in the U.S. District Court in connection with a string of robberies on poker establishments and convenience stores that have occurred on the island since early this year.
One of the suspected robbers, Joaquin Dela Cruz Cangco, was arrested recently by agents of the Federal Bureau of Investigation in Seattle, Washington.
His five co-accused — Sidney Capelle Kani, Juan Teigita, Rodney Temei, Jeffery Teigita and Kenneth Teigiya Dowai, were arrested earlier by combined forces from FBI and CNMI police.
Judge Alex R. Munson set no bail and ordered them to remain under custody of both federal and local authorities because they pose security risk to the community.
The six suspects were charged by the U.S. Attorney’s Office with five counts of conspiracy to commit offense, interference with commerce by robbery and use of a firearm in relation to a crime of violence. They are set to be arraigned today.
The alleged robbery incidents took place in early January when the six men reportedly conspired to rob the Sun Poker of approximately $2,000 after beating its cashier Elahi Md. Ashik last Jan. 6.
They also allegedly plotted to rob nearby establishment, LJ’s store, of $200 after pointing a .22 caliber rifle to cashier Lin Mei Huang last Jan. 26, according to the charge sheet filed by lead prosecutor Assistant Attorney David T. Wood.
The island has been hit by a string of robberies since early this year, mostly poker arcades and convenience stores. Authorities fear that these incidents are linked with the growing drug problem here. (BS)
