Subsequently, Superior Court Presiding Judge Robert Naraja convicted Calvo of sexual abuse of a minor in the third degree, and disturbing the peace.
Naraja then remanded Calvo to the custody of the Department of Corrections and stated that the bail hearing will continue at 2 p.m. today.
Both parties will argue for a possible third-party custodian for Calvo.
At about 3 p.m. yesterday, the victim and her immediate relatives started to arrive at the Guma Hustisia as well as officers from the different agencies involved in the case.
Assistant Attorney General Brian Gallagher, who was prosecuting the case, arrived shortly before 4 p.m.
He was followed by Calvo, together with his defense counsel G. Anthony Long, and relatives.
Naraja told them that he received notice that the six-member jury panel had already reached a verdict.
After the jurors entered the courtroom, Naraja requested for the sealed envelope containing the verdict.
After he read it, Naraja handed the decision to the clerk.
Calvo, together were Long, was asked to stand.
Shortly after 4 p.m., the clerk read the jurors’ verdict, finding Calvo guilty of sexual assault in the second degree.
There was a brief clapping of hands from the audience as the victim wept.
Naraja told the audience to be silent as the clerk continued reading the verdict which also found Calvo guilty of sexual abuse of a minor in the second degree.
Naraja thanked the jurors “for a job well-done” and hoped they would share their experience with their families and relatives regarding how the justice system works in the CNMI.
Naraja, for his part, convicted Calvo of the two remaining counts — sexual abuse of a minor in the third degree, and disturbing the peace.
Long moved for a 21-day submission for a pre-sentence investigation.
Gallagher did not object, but he moved for the revocation of Calvo’s bail.
“He is already a flight risk and a convicted sex offender,” the prosecutor said.
Long disagreed.
Naraja said the court could appoint a third-party custodian.
Prior to his conviction, Calvo posted $15,000 bail, which was lowered from the original $25,000.
After a brief recess, Calvo’s elder brother was called as a witness and testified that he will comply with the rules and regulations as a third-party custodian.
Gallagher then requested for a thorough background check on Calvo’s elder brother.
Naraja set Nov. 30 as Calvo’s sentencing hearing.
“Justice was served. We wanted our nieces’ voice be heard and the jury heard them and made their decision,” said Francisco Ada, who issued the statement on behalf of the victim’s family.
“We’re obviously pleased with the outcome. There was overwhelming evidence for the defendant’s guilt,” Gallagher said.
“We will focus on the sentencing aspect of the case,” Long said.
On June 11, 2008, then 13-year-old victim told the jurors during the jury trial that Calvo, her father, sexually abused her.
