By Bryan Manabat
bryan@mvariety.com
Variety News Staff
THE sentencing of two defendants in a federal methamphetamine case has been postponed to Feb. 11 at 2 p.m., after Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona granted the U.S. government’s request to continue the hearing previously set for Jan. 16.
Defendants Dong Han and Yinhua “Auntie” Yang were arrested July 1, 2025, during a Homeland Security Investigations task force raid at Smile Massage and Bar in Garapan. The business, where the alleged drug activity occurred, is located within walking distance of Garapan Elementary School.
Han pleaded guilty on Aug. 18, 2025, and Yang entered her guilty plea on Sept. 9, 2025. Both admitted to conspiracy to possess more than five grams of methamphetamine with intent to distribute within 1,000 feet of a school zone. Their indictment also includes forfeiture allegations.
HSI-Honolulu previously reported that a third individual, Zhao Liu, was arrested during the same operation for immigration violations. Prosecutors also told the court that both Han and Yang are subject to Immigration and Customs Enforcement detainers. Han is a lawful permanent resident, and the U.S. government intends to revoke his green card, Assistant U.S. Attorney Albert S. Flores said.
In a motion filed Jan. 5, the U.S. Attorney’s Office requested the delay to ensure continuity of counsel. Flores, who led the two-year investigation and prosecution, departed the office on Jan. 6. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eric O’Malley is now assigned to the case but is unavailable on Jan. 16 due to other commitments.
Flores noted in the filing that the defense had previously requested continuances, including a December delay granted over the government’s objection. He also disputed earlier claims that no Mandarin interpreter was available for the original Dec. 30 sentencing date.
Han is represented by attorney Steve Pixley, and Yang is represented by attorney Mark Scoggins. Han did not oppose the U.S. government’s request for a new date, while Yang’s position was not stated.
Sentencing for both defendants is now scheduled for Feb. 11 at 2 p.m. before the District Court for the Northern Mariana Islands.
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.
