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US govt asks for an extension to respond in Villagomez case
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Posted on May 13 2009
The U.S. government wants more time to respond to the motions filed by former Lt. Gov. Timothy P. Villagomez and his co-defendants for a new trial.
David J. Lujan, the lead counsel for Villagomez, is opposed to an extension and has asked the U.S. District Court for the NMI to deny the request.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric O’Malley asked the court on Tuesday for a one-week extension to file the U.S. government’s response to Villagomez’s motions filed last May 1.
“This is the first request for an extension. It is made because more time is needed to respond to the multiple motions,” O’Malley said.
This extension, the prosecutor added, should have no effect on previously scheduled dates.
In Villagomez’s response, Lujan said the U.S. government, with its vast resources, manpower, and technology at its disposal, has failed to cite any compelling reason why its request for an extension should be granted.
Further, Lujan said, the U.S. government failed to file a brief, memorandum, or, at a minimum, an affidavit supporting its motion.
The prosecution and the defense, on the other hand, have agreed to request the court that the hearing on the defendants’ motions set for June 4, 2009 be continued to June 22, 2009.
Villagomez filed motions for a new trial and to disqualify U.S. District Court for the NMI chief judge Alex R. Munson from any further proceedings in the case.
He and his sister, co-defendant Joaquina Santos, also filed a joint motion for judgment of acquittal. Villagomez’s brother-in-law, James Santos, through counsel, joined in the motions.
Last April 24, jurors rendered a guilty verdict on Villagomez, and the Santos couple for conspiracy to commit offenses against the U.S., wire fraud, theft concerning a program receiving federal funds, and bribery. Their sentencing was set for July 28, 2009.
