Villagomez through attorney David J. Lujan, and the federal government, through Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric O’Malley, in a stipulation told the court that Lujan’s main office is located on Guam and Lujan requires the flexibility to meet with Villagomez on Guam to prepare for motions hearing, to review discovery and to prepare for trial which has been set for March 23, 2009.
The stipulation to amend bail conditions also stated that this is needed due to the conflicts in schedules that may arise between now and the trial in March next year.
Villagomez told the federal court he needs to get his passport from the U.S. Marshal’s Service no later than 24 hours prior to his intended departure to Guam, adding that he return his passport within 24 hours of his return to Saipan.
Villagomez said he will advise and collaborate with the Office of U.S. Probation relative to his travel to and from Guam.
In August this year, the federal court charged Villagomez, former Department of Commerce Secretary James A. Santos, and his wife Joaquina V. Santos — Villagomez’s sister — with conspiracy to defraud the federal government, wire fraud and theft concerning federal funds.
The three defendants entered a not guilty plea to the charges.
