Cepeda’s three years’ supervised release under the U.S. Probation Office started on Oct. 7, 2011 after he was released from the local Department of Corrections facility. A local jury exonerated him of a murder charge in a separate case.
On Oct. 11, 2011, Cepeda reported to the federal probation office and submitted to a drug test.
The specimen results were negative; however, it appeared to be diluted, according to the probation office.
When confronted by his probation officer, Cepeda denied using drugs, “but stated that he was around friends who were smoking marijuana and inhaled the second hand smoke.”
After being warned, Cepeda “eventually admitted in writing that he used marijuana on Oct. 9, 2011” shortly after his release from local prison, according to court documents.
Cepeda “admitted that it was a mistake and apologized for his actions,” the U.S. Probation Office informed the federal court.
Chief Judge Ramona V. Manglona granted the request of “no action…at this time.”
The U.S. Probation Office further informed the federal court that since Oct. 11, 2011, Cepeda has consistently tested negative for the use of controlled substances.
On Nov. 9, 2011, Cepeda obtained part-time employment, the court was informed.
The federal probation office said Cepeda will be closely monitored.
Last month, local jurors exonerated Cepeda of killing a bar owner a decade ago after a retrial. Cepeda was convicted by the Superior Court of assault and battery, and theft. He was sentenced to time served.
On Jan. 1, 2003, then-U.S. District Court for the NMI Chief Judge Alex R. Munson sentenced Cepeda to 14 months’ imprisonment followed by three years’ supervised release after his conviction of one count of mail theft.
A term of supervised release does not run during any period in which the person is imprisoned in connection with a conviction for a federal, state, or local crime, according to the U.S. Probation Office.
