Quitugua found a threat, danger; ordered detained

U.S. District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona has ordered the continued detention of Daniel M. Quitugua pending his trial after deeming him a threat and a danger to others.

In a hearing on Wednesday afternoon, Manglona noted that Quitugua has an extensive criminal history and that despite constant efforts to counsel him, he continues to abuse drugs and engage in drug activities.

Quitugua is a federal probationer who was indicted for the alleged illegal guns and ammunitions that he left behind when he fled police officers who stopped him for a traffic stop.

Manglona expressed concern over Quitugua’s potential danger to the community and others.

Manglona reset Quitugua’s jury trial from Aug. 25, 2014, to Sept. 2, 2014.

The hearing on the government’s petition to revoke Quitugua’s probation will be held on Oct. 1, 2014.

In the U.S. government’s motion for detention, Assistant U.S. attorney Garth Backe asserted that the weight of evidence against Quitugua is overwhelming and that there is no condition or combination of conditions that can reasonably assure the safety of the community.

Attorney Michael Dotts, counsel for Quitugua, asked the court to give serious consideration to the weight of the evidence, as well as the weight of the documents. Dotts argued for Quitugua’s release.

After the hearing, Manglona remanded Quitugua to the custody of the U.S. Marshal to be returned to his original custodian, the Department of Corrections.

The indictment charged Quitugua with one count of felon in possession of firearm.

According to the indictment, Quitugua was found in possession of one or more firearms and rounds of ammunition on May 23, 2014, specifically one Sig Sauer model P226 9mm pistol, one Smith & Wesson .38 caliber revolver, 90 rounds of .45 caliber ammunition, 50 rounds of .38 caliber ammunition, and 62 rounds of 9mm ammunition.

Quitugua was convicted in federal court in 2005 of charges related to robbing a poker arcade in 2004. He was slapped with a 120-month prison term followed by a five-year supervised release. Quitugua’s supervised release began on Jan. 14, 2013.

Police arrested Quitugua for allegedly speeding and fleeing from police officers near Northern Marianas College on May 23, 2014, leaving behind a bag that had three illegal guns and bullets.