A ROTA jury on Thursday found Manuel A. Pinaula Jr. not guilty.
Pinaula, 42, was charged with two counts of sexual abuse of a minor in the first degree, two counts of assault and battery, and two counts of disturbing the peace.
Pinaula’s jury trial was held from February 26 to 28 at the Rota courthouse with Presiding Judge Roberto C. Naraja handling the case.
Pinaula was represented by Assistant Public Defender Karie Comstock while Chief Prosecutor Chester Hinds appeared for the government.
Following the trial, Hinds issued the following statement:
“We thank and appreciate the jury for their service. We understand the jury’s verdict.
“However, the Office of the Attorney General does not agree. Sexual abuse of a minor is a crime that 99% of the time will not have physical evidence or medical evidence or video. Until our children and victims are believed, perpetrators of these crimes will continue to get away.
“Regardless of the outcome, the OAG will continue to prosecute these crimes and continue fighting for the victims,” Hinds added.
Pinaula was accused of sexually abusing a 14-year-old minor on Rota on Feb. 6, 2023, and between October 1 and December 31, 2022.
