By Bryan Manabat
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
A NEW stipulation filed in Superior Court requests that defendant Yichuan Bai be released from the Department of Corrections and transferred into the custody of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho has scheduled a hearing on the request for March 3 at 2:30 p.m.
The stipulated motion, filed Feb. 23 by Bai’s attorney Mark Hanson and Assistant Attorney General Chester Hinds, asks the court to modify Bai’s bail by reducing it to zero solely for the purpose of releasing him to DHS custody. All other bail conditions would remain unchanged. According to the filing, both sides agree that the modification “would continue to assure the community’s safety and prevent any risk of flight,” and acknowledge that Bai’s transfer to DHS “would most likely result in his removal from the United States prior to the conclusion of this case.”
Bai voluntarily surrendered to police on Sept. 23, 2025, and has remained detained since his initial appearance the following day, when bail was set at $50,000 cash.
Charges
Bai, 40, is one of three defendants charged in connection with an Aug. 25, 2025, incident in Chinatown, where prosecutors allege a tour guide was lured under false pretenses, kidnapped, and assaulted. The defendants — Bai, Hee Jung Hwang, 39, and Peter Deleon Guerrero, 58 — were later linked to additional offenses after a search of Hwang’s residence uncovered a stolen firearm, ammunition, and controlled substances.
The victim, tour guide Jijing “Jimmy” Borja, has also been ordered removed from the CNMI. Honolulu Immigration Judge Clarence Wagner issued the removal order last week, citing Borja’s prior criminal convictions and non‑U.S. citizen status. Borja’s immigration case is separate from the CNMI criminal proceedings, but his removal could complicate trial testimony. Prosecutors have not indicated whether they intend to seek remote testimony or rely on other evidence.
The charges against Bai have remained unchanged through multiple amended informations filed by the government.
Status of co-defendants
The case shifted following the deportation of co-defendant Hwang. Hinds confirmed that U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement removed Hwang from the CNMI, prompting the government to request dismissal of the charges against him without prejudice. Judge Camacho granted the dismissal on Jan. 23, allowing the case to be refiled if Hwang returns.
Before his removal, the court approved a stipulation releasing Hwang’s passport to ICE to facilitate deportation. The document was turned over on Dec. 12, ahead of Hwang’s Dec. 15 departure.
Hinds said the prosecution will continue against Bai and Deleon Guerrero.
Case continues
With Hwang deported, Borja removed, and Bai’s potential transfer to DHS pending court approval, the case now centers on the remaining defendant. Judge Camacho will determine on March 3 whether Bai will be released to DHS custody while criminal proceedings continue.
Bryan Manabat was a liberal arts student of Northern Marianas College where he also studied criminal justice. He is the recipient of the NMI Humanities Award as an Outstanding Teacher (Non-Classroom) in 2013, and has worked for the CNMI Motheread/Fatheread Literacy Program as lead facilitator.
