Previous Story
Man cleared of ‘ice’ charge, as his brother pleads guilty
|
Posted on Dec 12 2006
The federal court dismissed yesterday the charges against one defendant, while the second of three defendants in an “ice” trafficking case entered a guilty plea.
U.S. District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Alex R. Munson granted the U.S. government’s motion to dismiss the indictment against Greg Twelbang Magofna.
Attorney Joseph Camacho, counsel for Greg Magofna, told Saipan Tribune that they are very happy with this turn of events.
“Yesterday morning we had a conference with the judge and the U.S. Attorney’s Office. We raised some issues with regards to evidence. Based on that, the U.S. attorney reviewed the file more carefully and decided to dismiss based on insufficient evidence to move forward with the trial,” Camacho said.
The lawyer said Greg Magofna told him that, upon his release from jail, he is going to take test in order to join the military as a way to serve the country.
Also yesterday, Greg Magofna’s brother, Ismike Magofna, pleaded guilty to distribution of .044 gram of “ice.”
Munson granted Ismike Magofna’s plea and set the sentencing for March 20.
Following the plea agreement, judge dismissed the charge of conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute.
Attorney Stephanie Flores, counsel for Ismike Magofna, told Saipan Tribune that her client is taking full responsibility for what he did—which was to sell a small quantity of methamphetamine to another individual.
The Magofna brothers and Julita A. Sablan were charged with conspiracy to distribute a controlled substance and possession with intent to distribute, and distribution of a controlled substance.
As of yesterday, the jury trial of Sablan was still ongoing in federal court.
The Drug Enforcement Administration alleged that their confidential source managed to purchase $200 worth of “ice” from Sablan at her residence in Tanapag in September 2006. Sablan pleaded not guilty. [I][B](Ferdie de la Torre)[/B][/I]
