DISTRICT Court for the NMI Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona has denied the request of Chang Ru Meng Backman to appoint a federal public defender to assist her in seeking compassionate release.
Backman, a former karaoke club operator, is serving a sentence of 19 years and nine months for sex trafficking by force, fraud and coercion.
Following a jury trial in June 2013, Backman was convicted of one count of sex trafficking.
According to the prosecution, Backman was the operator of Holiday Karaoke Club who coerced a vulnerable Chinese woman into having sex with customers for financial gain.
In denying Backman’s request, Judge Manglona stated that although the court has discretion to appoint counsel if the interest of justice so requires, there is no constitutional right to appointed counsel in post-conviction proceedings.
The judge also noted that Backman has appealed her conviction and sentence but did not prevail.
“As of the date of this order, defendant has not presented any substantive material to support her request other than giving notice that she is currently pursuing her administrative process with the Bureau of Prisons,” the judge said.
She added that Backman failed to demonstrate why the interest of justice may require the appointment of counsel.
Judge Manglona issued the order on March 12, 2021.
Backman’s request was dated Nov. 30, 2020 but was filed with the court on March 11, 2021.
