By Gina Tabonares
Variety News Staff

U.S. DISTRICT Court of Guam Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood has granted the early release of businessman Takahisa Goto from probation.
Goto, who was sentenced along with former Sen. Willy Flores, former Speaker Tommy Tanaka and former Chief of Staff Gil Shinohara, in connection with government corruption charges, was recommended for early release from probation by the U.S. Probation Office and the U.S. Attorney’s Office for Guam and the CNMI.
In a motion in Guam District Court, Chief U.S. Probation Officer Frank Michael Cruz reported that Goto — who was placed on probation for five years — has complied with the rules and regulations of probation and is no longer in need of supervision.
Goto was sentenced to two years of probation on Oct. 27, 2005 by Judge William Alsup for aiding and abetting money laundering.
Judge Tydingco-Gatewood ordered the termination of the case against Goto over the weekend.
In addition to the standard and mandatory conditions of probation, Goto was ordered to serve three months of home confinement to include electronic monitoring; not to travel without the approval of the U.S. Probation Office; and give at least one speech to a group of no less than 200 people during the first year of his probation.
He was also ordered to perform 200 hours of community service and pay a fine of $2,000.
In a special report submitted yesterday, Cruz informed the district court that Goto had satisfied his three months of home confinement, completed 200 hours of community service, and paid his fine on Nov. 3, 2005.
He also reported that Goto gave his “I am a convicted felon” speech before an audience exceeding 278 adults during the 21st anniversary party of his company.