Man admits robbing a tourist

A Saipan man who robbed a Japanese tourist of her cash and valuables in the parking lot of the DFS Galleria last year admitted his guilt yesterday before the U.S. District Court, saying that he committed the crime out of desperation.

Francisco Reyes Santos, however, dilly-dallied to enter a guilty plea to the charge of robbery affecting foreign commerce as his court-appointed counsel, Bruce Berline, even had to ask Judge Alex R. Munson for a brief recess to confer with his client.

After his lawyer discussed some issues with lead prosecutor U.S. Assistant Attorney David T. Wood, the accused accepted responsibility for the incident that took place in October 25, 1999.

“I went to DFS and I took the bag from the Japanese lady. I was desperate at that time,” Mr. Santos told the judge.

The Saipan resident, who appeared in court in the orange-regulated prison uniform as he is under the custody of the CNMI Division of Corrections for other local charges, could face up to seven years in jail. The robbery conviction carries a maximum penalty of 20 years imprisonment.

“The government has agreed not to recommend a jail sentence greater than seven years,” Mr. Wood said in an interview.

Judge Munson set the sentencing on August 8 and ordered an investigative report on Mr. Santos from the U.S. Probation Office on or before July 5 to determine his punishment.

By entering into a plea agreement with the prosecution, Mr. Santos evaded a jury trial where Mr. Wood said they would be able to prove in court that he grabbed the woman’s purse while walking in the DFS parking lot.

There were also witnesses who could pinpoint him and the car he used during the robbery incident.

Based on the investigation conducted by FBI agents, the victim — tourist Minako Sekei from Japan — was able to hold on to her purse when it was grabbed by Mr. Santos who was aboard his car, dragging her down the parking lot.

The purse contained cash amounting to $250 in U.S. bills and 60,000 in Japanese yen as well as other personal items like a camera.

“The victim was a tourist who came to Saipan to enjoy her vacation, paid her airfare, intended to shop here and spend her money,” Mr. Wood told the court.

Mr. Santos was one of several people believed to have victimized tourists and pedestrians alike by snatching their bags and belongings while walking in the Garapan tourist district over the past few months.