Charges against Higgins dismissed as investigation continues

The Superior Court has dismissed without prejudice the criminal charge against Jennifer Higgins, with prosecutors saying they currently do not have enough evidence to proceed against her in connection with the Koblerville burglary case.

Chief Prosecutor Chester Hinds told the media following the Sept. 30 court proceedings that the Office of the Attorney General reviewed the evidence against Higgins and decided not to pursue the case against her at this time.

“Her specifically, we looked at the evidence against her. At this time, the investigation is actually still ongoing, but we don't, if we don't have enough evidence right now to proceed, then we're not gonna keep somebody in custody just because,” Hinds said.

According to notes taken by Marianas Press during the hearing, the government moved to dismiss the case without prejudice, and the defense did not object.

Hinds said prosecutors could potentially refile the case if warranted by the continuing investigation.

“We can, we can,” he said when asked whether the government could eventually refile the case.

Hinds said Higgins had been charged with receiving stolen property in connection with the cases involving Etpison Faustino Jonas and Louise Aldan.

As previously reported by Marianas Press, the cases stem from the alleged burglary of a Koblerville residence where four firearms, ammunition, watches, a Kate Spade bag, an Under Armour duffle bag, and a power bank were reported stolen. Police estimated the value of the missing property at $5,915.

According to a Department of Public Safety affidavit previously reported by Marianas Press, a concerned citizen told investigators that Higgins allegedly served as the getaway driver during the burglary. That allegation was contained in the police investigation and has not been proven in court.

Hinds said the Sept. 30 proceeding involved only Higgins. The cases involving Jonas and Aldan were still going through the preliminary hearing process at the time of his interview.

Because the charge against Higgins was dismissed without prejudice, the dismissal does not prevent prosecutors from bringing the charge again if the investigation produces sufficient evidence.