FBI says ready to assist if needed as RB seeks federal help on crime

The Federal Bureau of Investigation said it stands ready to assist local authorities if requested and if federal resources could benefit ongoing investigations, as concerns continue over a rise in burglaries and thefts following Super Typhoon Sinlaku.

In a statement provided to Marianas Press, an FBI Honolulu spokesperson said local law enforcement agencies typically handle criminal investigations unless evidence points to possible violations of federal law.

“Our law enforcement partners often have the resources and specialized skills they need to investigate a matter and do not involve the FBI unless they develop information to suggest a violation of federal law,” the spokesperson said. “The FBI is poised to assist upon request if we have a tool, tactic, or technique that could benefit their investigations.”

The statement comes after Saipan Mayor Ramon “RB” Camacho said he would like to see assistance from federal agencies, including the FBI and Drug Enforcement Administration, in addressing rising crime following the April 15 super typhoon.

Asked about the mayor's comments, Department of Public Safety Commissioner Anthony I. Macaranas said federal agencies already work with local authorities when cases warrant their involvement.

“The mayor can always make sure that he can reach out to these agencies, but he has to understand that those agencies, they have to prioritize what is the main objective of the investigating crimes,” Macaranas said.

“Of course, one of them will be federal crimes is the priority.”

Macaranas said federal authorities typically become involved when local investigations reveal potential violations of federal law.

“If there's a case that's involved, that's locally committed and federal agencies are interested because there's potential that the federal laws have been breaking, so that's where they come in, and that's where we integrate with them,” he said.

He added that Camacho is free to pursue discussions with federal agencies.

“That's his prerogative. He wants to ask the FBI, he wants to ask the DEA, that's his prerogative,” Macaranas said.

The commissioner said DPS will continue working with federal partners when circumstances require it.

“I'll continue working with the federal partners, combating crimes that's related to some of the interests in local crimes that's been happening,” he said.

Macaranas also pushed back against criticism that DPS is not doing enough to solve crimes or arrest suspects linked to the recent wave of burglaries and thefts.

“You know, we got some folks there that just like to make comments, and it's not really seeing what's the actual,” he said.

The commissioner said criminal investigations require evidence gathering and cannot be based solely on public accusations or rumors.

“They have to understand that when we investigate crime, we just don't go out there and pick the person that they mentioned,” Macaranas said. “We got to make sure that we find the right investigative reports and who is this person before we can make an arrest and bring the case over to the court.”

He said investigations become even more difficult when witnesses or victims are unwilling to cooperate.

“Investigating crime is very complex, especially when people or the victim, they don't cooperate,” Macaranas said.

According to DPS, 267 burglary and theft-related incidents have been reported throughout the Commonwealth since May 15, including 120 cases involving businesses, 89 residential burglaries, 42 theft cases and 16 copper wire theft cases.

Macaranas said detectives continue to investigate the cases and have already identified persons of interest in some of the incidents. He encouraged residents to report crimes and suspicious activity and to cooperate with officers when contacted for follow-up information.

“Come over and talk to me here in my office, and we can face-to-face, and you share your frustration to me,” he said.