WHEN police executed a search warrant on the residence of Don Jr. Pangelinan Sanchez in February, they found a stolen generator, five clear Ziploc bags containing crystalline substance, marijuana plants, marijuana in Ziploc bags, a small weighing scale, a glass pipe, a brown and silver .38 caliber revolver with the serial number on the barrel removed and a large amount of money in a shoe box.
Sanchez, 38, refused to give a statement to the police without a lawyer present, and he later claimed that he was not present when the search was conducted by the police at his residence. “Police could have planted those drugs by the generator,” he said.
A repeat offender, Sanchez told the investigating detective that he performed “restoration” work and smoked marijuana to calm himself because he had to use crutches for an injury involving a firearm.
At the time, police were investigating a theft and burglary incident at Saipan International School where a Briggs and Stratton generator was stolen and, police said, was sold to Sanchez by the burglars for 0.3 gram of methamphetamine and $50.
Police executed a search warrant on Sanchez’ residence on Feb. 18, 2021 where they found the stolen generator, revolver, drugs and other items.
On April 13, 2021, the Department of Public Safety issued a notice that Sanchez was on the run from authorities and was wanted pursuant to an arrest warrant issued against him for the crimes of receiving stolen property, firearms owner’s identification requirement, removal of a firearms serial number, possession of a controlled substance and trafficking.
On Monday, May 24, 2021, DPS, acting on a tip, located Sanchez in Garapan and tried to arrest him, but he and another individual got into a car and fled from the arresting officers.
The ensuing high-speed chase ended in Koblerville where the driver of the vehicle, who is Sanchez’ cousin, was also arrested.
According to DPS, the driver of the vehicle, John Carlo G. Sanchez, was arrested for traffic violations, and the vehicle was impounded by police.
John Carlo G. Sanchez was brought to the Kanoa Resort for Covid-19 clearance, before being transferred to the Department of Corrections where he was booked and detained.
Don Sanchez appeared for a bail hearing on Tuesday before Superior Court Associate Judge Joseph N. Camacho who maintained the $100,000 cash bail imposed on the defendant.
After the hearing, Don Sanchez, was remanded to the custody of Corrections and was ordered to return to court for a preliminary hearing on June 2 at 10 a.m. and for an arraignment on June 7 at 9 a.m.
Attorney Michael White was appointed by the court to represent Don Sanchez while Assistant Attorney General Chester Hinds appeared for the government.
As for John Carlo Sanchez’ court appearance, no information was available as of Wednesday afternoon.
Don Sanchez
