Nestor Camacho Taitano appeared with his counsel David Banes for the pleading yesterday. The federal government was represented by Assistant U.S. Attorney James Benedetto.
The defense stated that its client wished to enter a change of plea, for which the court set a hearing at 9 a.m. today.
The defendant stated in court that he wished to waive his right to speedy trial.
The court found that the ends of justice will be served by allowing the defense more time to review the evidence in preparation for trial and that further time to pursue plea negotiations outweigh any other interests the public or the defendant may have in a speedy trial.
U.S. District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Alex R. Munson ordered that the jury trial will be waived up until July 1, 2009.
The jury trial for the defendant will commence on June 15, 2009 at 9 a.m.
Federal Bureau of Investigation agents arrested the defendant with his brother Lucas Taitano Manglona, and Kisha Lyn Masga King after an indictment was filed against them in federal court on Feb. 26, 2009.
Taitano and King were indicted for one count of conspiracy to utter counterfeit obligations and securities, and three counts of counterfeiting.
Taitano and Manglona were indicted for one count of conspiracy to utter counterfeit obligations and securities, and one count of counterfeiting.
Benedetto stated in the indictment that the three defendants used counterfeit bills on Jan. 12, 2009, to defraud four establishments on Saipan.
Taitano supplied a fake $50 bill to King to buy $10 worth of gasoline at the Koblerville Shell gas station, another fake $50 bill to pay for clothing or other items at the Tapo Fashion, and another fake $50 to buy items at Fashion Avenue, the indictment stated.
It added that Taitano gave Manglona a fake $50 bill to buy cigarettes and a lighter at Nang Ocha Store in San Vicente.
King and Manglona then gave Taitano the change for all the fake bills, the indictment stated.
King pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to utter counterfeit obligations and securities, and three counts of passing counterfeit obligations.
Munson set King’s sentencing for July 14, 2009 at 9 a.m.
