LEE Jesse Omar Reyes, one of the defendants in the conspiracy to transport illegal aliens to Guam, pleaded guilty on Tuesday.
Also appearing before the District Court for the NMI Magistrate Judge Heather L. Kennedy during the change of plea proceeding were Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric O’Malley, the defendant’s counsel, Mark Scoggins, and U.S. Probation Officer Juanette David-Atalig.
At the hearing, David-Atalig reported to the court that Reyes did not show up for drug testing as he was required to do on Feb. 12, 2024. Although she recommended that the defendant remains released, she asked the court to require him to refer himself for substance abuse treatment.
Judge Kennedy said District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona granted the request for the modification of Reyes’ release condition while ordering the defendant to remain in contact and have better communication with the U.S. Probation Office.
After being advised of his constitutional rights and of the nature of the charge against him, Reyes entered a plea of guilty to Count 1 of the indictment charging him with conspiracy to transport illegal aliens. The court found him to be fully competent to enter a knowing and voluntary plea.
The court will recommend the acceptance of Reyes’ guilty plea and will file a written finding and recommendation for the chief judge’s consideration. The parties were given 14 days to file objections. Sentencing will be set by the chief judge.
Also, the court vacated Reyes’ jury trial. Without objections, moreover, the court unsealed the plea agreement.
Reyes, Yan Juan Hu Taitano, Ramon Jose Quitano Sablan and Maverick Ryan Iguel were arrested earlier this month and were charged with conspiracy to transport nine illegal aliens to Guam.
According to the indictment, the Chinese nationals who attempted to illegally enter Guam agreed to pay Taitano and Reyes up to $5,000 for the boat trip from Saipan to Guam.
