OAG disagrees with verdict imposed on man accused of sexually abusing minor

A man accused of sexually abusing a minor was found not guilty by a jury of the charges filed against him. However, the Office of the Attorney General’s criminal division disagrees with the decision.

Last Tuesday, the jury trial of Manuel A. Pinaula came to an end with the jury issuing a not-guilty verdict on the sexual abuse of a minor charge filed against the defendant.

In a statement from OAG Criminal Division Chief Prosecutor Chester Hinds, he disagrees with the verdict.

“We thank and appreciate the jury for their service. We understand the jury’s verdict. However, the AGO does not agree. Sexual abuse of a minor is crime that 99% of the time will not have physical evidence or medical evidence or video. Until our children and victims are believed, perpetrators of these crimes will continue to get away. Regardless of the outcome, the OAG will continue to prosecute these crimes and continue fighting for the victims,” he said.

The Superior Court has yet to issue a written order following the trial.