Visiting Judge Marilyn L. Huff of the Southern District of California granted on Thursday the stipulation to modify bail and stipulated conditions of release entered by Assistant U.S. Attorney James J. Benedetto, who is prosecuting the case, and Michael N. Evangelista, who is the court-appointed defense attorney for Richards.
Richards was ordered to report to the U.S. Probation Office for supervision. He was placed on home detention under the Federal Probation Office’s location monitoring program and must abide by all program requirements.
Richards will submit to any testing required to determine whether he is using a prohibited substance, and to participate in a program of inpatient or outpatient substance abuse therapy and counseling, if the pretrial services office or supervising officer considers it advisable.
The court directed Richards to surrender his passport, to not obtain a new passport, and not to leave Saipan without permission of the court.
Richards was told to avoid direct or indirect contact with any person “who is a victim or potential witness in this prosecution,” including but not limited to Belinda Omengkar, Steve Omengkar, Alex Alfonson, Ramon Agulto, Jojo Iba, Lorraine Guerrero, Calistro Crisostimo, Audrey Tydingco, and Ben Terlaje.
Richards will refrain from possessing a firearm, destructive device, or other dangerous weapon, any use of alcohol, and from use of unlawful possession or a narcotic drug or other controlled substances unless prescribed by a licensed medical practitioner.
Richards was ordered to not associate with or allow any person engaged in criminal activity or actively using illegal substances at his residence or his parent’s residence.
Richards admitted the charges of conspiracy to distribute 0.94 grams net weight of d-methamphetamine hydrochloride, distribution of “ice,” and possession of a firearm by a prohibited person.
Richards has been in detention since October following the filing of the indictment against him.
