At 4 p.m. yesterday, Superior Court Judge David A. Wiseman, who presided over the two-day trial, was informed that jurors had already reached a verdict.
“It’s very good,” Kaipat told reporters after yesterday afternoon’s hearing.
“We’re obviously pleased. The jury did a good job. They listened to testimonies,” said Douglas Cushnie, who is Kaipat’s court-appointed defense counsel.
Assistant Attorney General Tiberius Mocanu, who prosecuted the case, commended the “bravery of the witnesses who testified.” He thanked jurors for their service but expressed disappointment with the verdict.
“We will continue prosecuting burglary and theft cases which are an epidemic in the commonwealth,” Mocanu told reporters.
The prosecution presented witnesses who testified seeing Kaipat’s involvement.
The defense had three witnesses, including inmate Daniel M. Delos Santos, a co-defendant in this case who was already sentenced.
Delos Santos testified Kaipat was not involved.
Last July, Wiseman sentenced Delos Santos to five years imprisonment, all suspended except for 18 months without parole, with credit for eight days served at the Department of Corrections facility.
On Jan. 23, 2011, Delos Santos and Kaipat were arrested by authorities on the charge of stealing 30 pieces of aluminum typhoon shutters.
