The Office of the Attorney General is opposing a request by a Palauan man charged in a fatal Garapan assault to return home while awaiting his October jury trial, arguing that doing so could expose the CNMI to costly and time-consuming extradition proceedings if he fails to come back voluntarily.
During a hearing last June 3, Chief Prosecutor Chester Hinds urged the Superior Court to deny Jeremy Meseche Guillermin’s motion to travel to Palau while his criminal case remains pending. Hinds said Palau is a sovereign nation and any attempt to secure Guillermin’s return through legal channels could require significant government resources.
Hinds told the court that criminal defendants facing serious felony charges are generally not permitted to leave the jurisdiction before trial. He also cited a previous extradition case involving Palau that reportedly cost the government approximately $25,000 and required considerable time to complete.
Guillermin’s attorney, Brien Sers Nicholas, argued that his client has complied with all court orders since his release from custody and has demonstrated no intention of fleeing prosecution.
According to Nicholas, Guillermin is willing to sign a waiver of extradition and personally cover any expenses associated with returning to Saipan for trial. The defense also pointed to the $25,000 cash bail already posted in the case.
Nicholas said Guillermin has been staying with relatives on Saipan since his release and feels he may be overstaying his welcome. He also argued that the CNMI remains in recovery mode following Super Typhoon Sinlaku and should avoid placing additional burdens on residents, including prospective jurors.
The defense attorney noted that many residents are still dealing with post-typhoon hardships and said he himself remains without electricity at his law office despite volunteering in recovery efforts after the storm. He added that concerns about the condition of potential jurors were among the factors that led both parties to agree to postpone the trial earlier this year.
Presiding Judge Joseph N. Camacho did not immediately rule on the motion.
Instead, he scheduled another hearing for June 10 to allow further discussion, including whether an earlier trial date may be feasible as conditions continue to improve across the island.
Camacho acknowledged the significant recovery progress made since Sinlaku, but said he wanted additional time to evaluate the request before issuing a decision.
Guillermin’s jury trial is currently scheduled to begin on Oct. 19.
Last month, both the prosecution and defense agreed to continue the trial until October during a hearing held at the CNMI Legislature building while the Guma Hustisia remained unavailable because of disruptions caused by Sinlaku.
The case stems from a Nov. 16, 2025 altercation outside Relox Bar in western Garapan.
According to court records, Alvin Remamba reported to police that Guillermin was attempting to start a fight. Prosecutors allege Guillermin later punched Remamba in the face, causing him to fall backward and strike his head on the pavement. Remamba suffered a severe brain hemorrhage and brain swelling and died four days later at the Commonwealth Health Center.
Guillermin and co-defendant Aikman Bodobang Byron are both Palauan nationals who were on Saipan participating in Aircraft Rescue and Firefighting training when the incident occurred. Authorities later arrested both men in connection with the fatal confrontation.
Investigators said Guillermin claimed Remamba had been the aggressor and had pushed him repeatedly before the altercation.
Guillermin is charged with voluntary manslaughter, aggravated assault and battery, and obstructing justice. An escape charge initially filed against him was later dismissed after authorities determined he had not been formally booked when he briefly fled police custody.
Byron is charged with accessory after the fact and obstructing justice.
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