‘Guilty, your honor’: Faisao gets five years in minor sex assault case

Hunched over the courtroom microphone and dressed in Department of Corrections overalls and chain cuffs, Ichitaro Dustin Faisao softly replied, “guilty, your honor,” when Superior Court Associate Judge Lillian Ada Tenorio asked for his plea during a June 4 change-of-plea hearing in a sexual assault case involving a minor.

Moments later, Tenorio accepted the plea and sentenced Faisao to five years in prison under a global plea agreement that also resolved a probation violation case. The victim and her father were present in the courtroom during the sentencing. As the proceedings unfolded, the father appeared visibly emotional and at times seemed on the verge of tears.

Faisao, represented by assistant public defender Emily Thomsen, pleaded guilty to one count of second-degree sexual assault in Criminal Case No. 25-0115 and admitted violating the terms and conditions of his probation in Criminal Case No. 21-0109. The Commonwealth was represented by assistant attorney general Frances T. Demapan.

As part of the plea agreement, Faisao was sentenced to 15 years’ imprisonment, with all but five years suspended. The agreement specifies that the five-year prison term must be served without the possibility of parole, work release, weekend release, or any other type of early-release program.

Tenorio also ordered Faisao to serve six months of a previously suspended sentence in the probation case. The sentences will run concurrently, and Faisao will receive credit for time already served while in custody.

The case stemmed from an incident on May 31, 2025, involving a 16-year-old girl. Prosecutors said Faisao engaged in sexual penetration with the minor while knowing she was under the influence of cannabis.

The Commonwealth formally charged Faisao on Dec. 9, 2025, with second-degree sexual assault and disturbing the peace. At the time, Faisao was already serving probation in an earlier case. Prosecutors later filed a petition to revoke that probation, alleging that he failed to pay court-ordered fines and fees, failed to complete community work service requirements, used marijuana, failed to complete counseling and treatment requirements, and failed to comply with the rules of the Office of Adult Probation.

Under the global plea agreement, Faisao pleaded guilty to the sexual assault charge and admitted the probation violations. In exchange, the Commonwealth agreed to dismiss the remaining disturbing-the-peace charge with prejudice.

Before accepting the plea, Tenorio acknowledged a victim impact statement submitted by the victim's father. Court records indicate the statement detailed the emotional, physical, and mental impact the offense had on the victim and her family. The judge noted during the hearing that it had been a traumatic experience for the family, particularly for the victim.

Following his release from prison, Faisao will be placed on supervised probation for 10 years. He must report to the Office of Adult Probation within one business day of his release, pay all probation fees, complete 500 hours of community work service, and comply with all conditions imposed by probation authorities.

The court also ordered Faisao to have no direct or indirect contact with the victim or members of the victim's household and to stay away from the victim's residence.

In addition, Faisao must register as a sex offender with the Department of Public Safety within one business day of his release and comply with all requirements of the CNMI Sex Offender Registry Act.

Other conditions of probation prohibit Faisao from possessing or consuming alcohol, marijuana, or other illegal substances, possessing firearms or dangerous weapons, and violating any CNMI or federal laws. He must also participate in any counseling or treatment programs deemed necessary by probation authorities or the Community Guidance Center.

The plea agreement brought both criminal matters to a close without the need for trial.

Editor's note: If you or someone you know has experienced domestic or sexual violence, you are not alone. Support is available through the 24/7 Karidat Victim Hotline at (670) 234-5100 or the 24/7 Karidat Sexual Assault Helpline at (670) 838-7233.