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Govendo lessens Wabol’s bail but imposes provisos
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Posted on Mar 04 2009
Superior Court Associate Judge Kenneth L. Govendo said yesterday that it is a community concern when a police officer involved in a domestic violence is also accused of threatening the victim with his service firearm.
During a bail modification hearing in the domestic violence case against Police Officer 1 John K. Wabol Jr., Govendo said this is not the first time a police officer is taken to court on charges of domestic violence involving a partner.
However, when a threat using a service firearm is involved, this “causes a concern to the community,” he said.
The judge reminded police officers that they are sworn to defend innocent people who face threats.
Govendo granted Wabol’s request to modify the $10,000 cash bail for his temporary liberty.
Govendo set a $500 cash bail and $4,500 unsecured bond. He allowed Wabol to be released to his father, Fire Chief Juan Wabol Sr., as third party custodian.
Wabol was ordered to surrender his passport, not leave the CNMI without court permission, and not contact the victim and her children.
“I assume he already surrendered his firearms,” the judge said.
The 22-year-old Wabol was arrested for allegedly beating up his common-law wife and threatening to shoot her with his service gun outside their house in Dandan Thursday afternoon.
Wabol Jr. was arrested for assault and battery, and disturbing the peace.
When police officers responded to the scene, the wife was reportedly crying and shaking for fear. She had red marks on her neck.
The victim told police it was not the first time that Wabol physically abused her, but that Thursday’s was the worst yet.
