Alleged sex abuse victim testifies in trial of ex-cop
A 14-year-old girl testified yesterday in the jury trial of former Rota police officer Melvin Maratita Manglona, who is facing charges that he sexually abused her.
The girl will resume her testimony today, Tuesday, at 8:30am, at the Rota Courthouse, Saipan Tribune learned.
Superior Court Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho was able to impanel eight jurors, including two alternates, yesterday at noon.
The alleged victim is the government’s first witness. Chief Prosecutor Michelle Harris and assistant attorney general Teri Tenorio are prosecuting the case. Defense attorney Brien Sers Nicholas is counsel for the 49-year-old Manglona.
The jury will decide on two counts of sexual abuse in first degree. Camacho will decide the disturbing the peace charge.
The OAG alleged that Manglona sexually abused the girl last July and Aug. 11, 2016, on Rota. The girl allegedly told police that the defendant has been sexually abusing her since she was 9 years old.
Why does it state here that the “girl testified and from the AAG, Teri Tenorio, it states that the girl refused to testify?