$2.5K bail set for Pacho; released to father under strict conditions

Superior Court Associate Judge Kenneth L. Govendo reduced the bail of a Corrections officer accused of attempting to smuggle drugs into the Department of Corrections from $25,000 to $2,500 and ordered his release to a third-party custodian—his father—following a hearing last April 2.

Cleon Otto Reyes Pacho will be placed under the supervision of his father, Franklin Pacho, who testified that he owns and operates a construction firm and would be able to closely monitor his son’s movements. He told the court he is with his son “every day” and is prepared to supervise him continuously and report any violations, assuring the court he could effectively enforce all conditions of release.

Govendo granted the bail modification to 10% of the original amount, with the remaining balance unsecured, and approved the father as custodian.

As part of the release order, the court imposed several conditions. Pacho must remain with his father at all times and, if not in his father’s presence, must stay at home. He is required to obey all laws, attend all court hearings, and maintain contact with his attorney.

He is prohibited from leaving Saipan or the CNMI without court approval and must surrender any passport. The court also barred him from going near seaports and airports.

Additional restrictions include a ban on alcohol consumption and a no-contact order with the Department of Corrections, its inmates, and co-defendant Regina Visitacion Camacho Bowie. Law enforcement officers are also allowed to conduct reasonable compliance checks at the residence during working hours.

The younger Pacho is being represented by lawyer Keith Chambers II, while Office of Attorney General Chief Prosecutor Chester Hinds represented the government.

Pacho agreed to waive his preliminary hearing. His arraignment is scheduled for April 13 at 9am in Superior Court.