The hearing was scheduled for Dec. 6, 2011, but the U.S. Probation Office is asking the federal court to designate Jan. 17, 2012 as the new date.
Heqian Ma has admitted the charge of two counts of fraud in foreign labor contracting.
Heqian Ma was indicted on two counts of alien smuggling, and two counts of fraud in foreign labor contracting.
On or about Dec. 16, 2010, Heqian Ma induced and encouraged her two victims, Chinese nationals, for purposes of employment in the CNMI, the prosecution said.
The U.S. Probation Office told the federal court that the requested continuance will allow the probation officer to complete the presentence investigation report.
The prosecution indicated no objection to the continuance.
The court allowed the release of Heqian Ma from the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service upon posting of a $5,000 unsecured bond.
In related news, Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona granted the oral motion of court-appointed defense attorney Michael Evangelista to modify his client’s bail.
