ATTORNEY General Robert T. Torres yesterday expressed satisfaction with the jury’s guilty verdict against David Tanaka Diaz for trafficking 144 grams of crystal methamphetamine and other charges.
“(AGO) is obviously pleased that justice was done in this case with respect to returning a guilty verdict against Diaz for not only possession with intent to distribute but also for traffic violations,” said Torres during a press conference.
Torres thanked the jurors for their “hard work and deliberation during what was a very intense trial (marked) with expert testimony, scientific evidence and at times tense situations.”
He also commended Assistant Attorneys General Janine Udui and Daniel Cohan for successfully prosecuting the case.
Torres, however, noted that the case is a terrible tragedy. Diaz is an accomplished local musician who plays in local bands, he added.
“As a result of his involvement with drugs, he has made the wrong turns. It is also more unfortunate for his family who will suffer the consequences of his drug involvement, “ he said.
He said the conviction of Diaz would give a strong message to the public that in these type of cases, the government will seek the maximum penalty against anyone.
Torres commended the police officers and agents from the Drug Enforcement Administration/CNMI Task Force “for their hard work in preparing, investigating this case, and assisting our prosecutors.”
