U.S. District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Alex R. Munson sentenced him yesterday “to a term of time served.”
It was learned that Taitano, who was arrested in February with two others for passing fake money, has been in jail for close to nine months.
Taitano earlier signed a plea agreement, pleading guilty to two counts of conspiracy and two counts of passing counterfeit obligations.
Munson also ordered Taitano to pay restitution to his three victims in the amount of $150.
Taitano will serve 300 hours of community service, and pay a $400 fee after sentencing.
All fines were waived as it has been determined that Taitano is unable to make the minimum fine payment.
The court ordered the defendant not to commit another crime and to refrain from any alcohol.
He is prohibited from possessing a firearm or other dangerous weapon or have such weapon where he resides.
Taitano will submit to one drug test within 15 days of release from imprisonment and will undergo periodic drug tests, not to exceed eight tests per month, as directed by the Federal Probation Office.
Taitano must seek and maintain employment, comply with the standard conditions of supervised release, and participate in a drug treatment program approved by the Federal Probation Office.
Taitano was represented by attorney David Banes, while Assistant U.S. Attorney James Benedetto prosecuted the case.
Benedetto stated in the indictment that Taitano, Lucas Taitano Manglona, and Kisha Lyn Masga King, passed off fake money on Jan. 12, 2009, to defraud at least four establishments on Saipan.
