By Bryan Manabat
[email protected]
Variety News Staff
KELVIN Cabrera Sanchez has pleaded guilty to distributing five grams or more of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of a school.
Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona of the District Court for the NMI accepted the plea and scheduled sentencing for Sept. 18 at 9 a.m.
During a change-of-plea hearing on June 5, Sanchez, 38, admitted to the conduct underlying the charge. He was represented by Assistant Federal Public Defender Briana Kottke, while Assistant U.S. Attorney Garth Backe outlined the elements of the offense and the evidence the federal government was prepared to present had the case proceeded to trial.
Sanchez, a repeat offender, was arrested last November and initially charged with two counts: distributing methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of an elementary school, and distributing five grams or more of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of an elementary school. He pleaded guilty to the second count, which carries enhanced penalties because of the quantity involved.
Judge Manglona found Sanchez competent to enter a knowing and voluntary plea. She noted that the remaining count will not be dismissed until after sentencing, and Sanchez acknowledged the court’s advisement. The judge also vacated the Jan. 13 trial date and ordered the plea agreement unsealed.
According to the indictment, Sanchez distributed methamphetamine, a Schedule II controlled substance, on or about April 1, 2025, within 1,000 feet of San Antonio Middle School, also known as Francisco M. Sablan Middle School. On or about April 25, 2025, he distributed five grams or more of methamphetamine within 1,000 feet of Saipan Community School, the indictment added.
The indictment also includes a criminal forfeiture allegation seeking the forfeiture of property or funds connected to the offenses.
Following the hearing, Sanchez was remanded to the custody of the U.S. Marshals Service pending sentencing.
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.
