FOLLOWING two monitored buy-walk operations, agents of the CNMI Drug Enforcement Task Force arrested James Sasamoto on charges of conspiracy, possession, and trafficking of methamphetamine.
Sasamoto, 54, appeared before Superior Court Judge Joseph N. Camacho for a bail hearing on Friday. He was represented by Chief Public Defender Doug Hartig, while Chief Prosecutor Chester Hinds appeared for the government.
Judge Camacho set Sasamoto’s bail at $25,000 cash. After the hearing, the defendant was remanded to the custody of the Department of Corrections and ordered to return to court for a preliminary hearing on Aug. 20 at 10 a.m. and arraignment on Sept. 8 at 9 a.m.
According to the complaint, DETF conducted two “buy-walk” operations, one on Feb. 21, 2025 and another on March 4, 2025. On both occasions, a cooperating source purchased $50 worth of methamphetamine from Sasamoto. The substance was field-tested and confirmed positive for methamphetamine.
The “buy-walk” operations, which were under surveillance by DETF agents, have also identified another individual who has yet to be officially charged.
