Kim-Tenorio to amend Pacho's bail to allow Army Reserve training on Saipan

Associate Judge Teresa K. Kim-Tenorio said she will issue an order modifying the bail conditions of Department of Corrections officer Cleon Otto Reyes Pacho to allow him to participate in required U.S. Army Reserve training on Saipan while maintaining strict restrictions on contact with potential witnesses.

During a hearing in Superior Court last June 29, defense attorney Keith Chambers asked the court to modify Pacho's bail either to permit him to travel to Guam for Army Reserve training or, alternatively, allow him to complete the required training on Saipan. The defense proposed safeguards to prevent contact with any current DOC officers, including requiring Pacho to disclose any unavoidable communications related solely to military training.

Chief Prosecutor Chester Hinds opposed allowing off-island travel but did not object to Pacho participating in training on Saipan, noting concerns that some potential witnesses in the pending criminal case are DOC officers who may also serve in the Army Reserve.

After hearing from both sides, Kim-Tenorio said she would allow on-island training and require Pacho to provide advance schedules and locations to the Office of Adult Probation. She also said the written order would prohibit contact with DOC co-workers who are Army reservists and any potential witnesses, except as may be strictly necessary for military training and subject to court reporting requirements. At the conclusion of the hearing, the associate judge stated she would prepare an order amending Pacho's bail conditions.

Pacho remains charged in connection with an alleged attempt to smuggle methamphetamine and other contraband into the DOC facility last March. He has pleaded not guilty.

A status conference is scheduled for July 6 at 10am.