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Judge declares mistrial vs. Atalig
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Posted on Dec 09 1998
U.S. District Court Judge Alex Munson has declared a mistrial for drug suspect Daniel Atalig after a jury failed to reach a unanimous decision.
Although they acquitted Atalig of the charge of conspiracy to import approximately 160 grams of ice, the group couldn’t reach a verdict on charges of conspiracy to distribute and possession with intent to distribute ice.
The jury started deliberating last Thursday after a three-day trial.
According to Assistant US Attorney Gregory Baka, the jury told the court that further deliberation won’t help them reach a unanimous decision.
Munson set a new trial for Feb. 8, 1999 at 9 a.m. where a new set of jurors will hear the case.
Baka said the new trial means he will start all over again and will be calling the same set of witnesses.
Among those who will be called are Atalig’s co-conspirators who testified about his involvement with the drug importation.
They are spouses Felix and Jacqueline Remoket and Johnny and Rizalinda Remoket.
The charges against Atalig came as a result of an investigation conducted by the DEA/CNMI Task Force which received information about the drug shipments made between February and April 24 this year.
A complaint filed with the court stated that Johnny and Rizalinda have agreed, while in the Philippines in March, to deal with ice here to ease their financial problems.
Five drug shipments totaling 160 grams of ice made it to the CNMI between those period.
The last shipment of 20 grams of ice was intercepted by authorities and resulted in the arrest of Atalig and Johnny Remoket.
Felix, Rizalinda and Johnny have pleaded guilty to conspiracy to import ice while Jacqueline pleaded guilty to a felony charge.
All entered a plea agreement which also required them to testify against Atalig.
