In Friday’s hearing, Byoong Seob Choi pleaded guilty to unlawful employment of aliens. He was sentenced to three years probation, two years of which will be under supervision.
Govendo also ordered the forfeiture of tables, chairs and gambling paraphernalia including the seized cash money amounting to $11,933.00.
Upon signing the plea agreement, Govendo said the defendant relinquishes his claims to the seized properties.
Govendo said the commonwealth agrees that the conviction will not be used as a basis for deportation against the defendant.
The defendant is also ordered to obey all commonwealth laws. Any violation of the conditions set by the court could send the defendant to three years in jail or deportation.
Govendo set the review hearing for Nov. 12, 2009 at 9 a.m. to monitor if the defendant has complied with the requirements.
There was no bail to be exonerated.
Govendo told the defendant that he should have consulted with an attorney before getting involved in illegal gambling activities.
Choi was charged with co-defendant Hideo Kato, 71, who was arrested by the Attorney General’s Investigative Unit at the Victoria Hotel in Garapan for illegal gambling and unlawful employment of aliens.
Investigator Urbano Babauta stated in his report that a non-profit organization called the Utilities Assistance Corp. of Saipan Inc. submitted an application for specific gambling exemption certificate at the Office of the Registrar of Corporations of the Department of Commerce on Feb. 12, 2007.
He said the Registrar of Corporations approved the application and concurred by the attorney general on Feb. 20, 2007.
The Utilities Assistance Corp. was allowed to conduct gambling activities from March 16 to March 20, 2007.
The proceeds from the gambling activities were to help assist low income families with their power bills.
The attorney general later suspended the exemption granted to Utilities Assistance Corp. but the casino operated by Kato and Choi continued its operations.
The AGIU raided the casino on Aug. 24, 2007.
