Two Majuro prison inmates, accused of illegal possession and sale of drugs, will be heading to separate trials following their preliminary hearings in the High Court late last month.
Lennon Tami Declaro — also known as Tommy Declaro — and Ranson Riklon were charged together by the Attorney General’s office earlier this year following a Majuro Atoll Local Government police raid on the main jail that led to confiscation of drugs, drug paraphernalia, and large amounts of cash.
Declaro is charged with unlawful possession of prohibited drugs and unlawful possession of marijuana. Riklon is charged with unlawful possession of prohibited drugs and unlawful selling of prohibited drugs.
The case is being prosecuted by Assistant Attorney General Cherlina Loeak. Declaro is being represented by Chief Public Defender Russell Kun, while Riklon is represented by Assistant Public Defender Karotu Tiba.
Both were already serving time for unrelated crimes when the MALGov police raid occurred.
At Declaro’s preliminary hearing November 20, Chief Justice Carl Ingram found “good cause to believe that the alleged offenses were committed and that the defendant commit them and for the case to proceed to trial.”
Declaro pleaded not guilty. Because unlawful possession of prohibited drugs is a felony that carries a penalty with a maximum jail sentence of 15 years, Declaro is eligible for a jury trial. Through the Chief Public Defender, Declaro invoked his right to a jury trial.
Ingram set a December 27 deadline for all pre-trial motions to be filed. A status conference is scheduled for January 17, 2025 at which time a trial date will be decided.
Two days later, on November 22, the preliminary hearing was held for Riklon. Based on evidence presented by law enforcement, the Chief Justice similarly found “good cause” to proceed to trial. Both felony charges Riklon is facing carry 15-year maximum sentences. Through Assistant Public Defender Karotu Tiba, Riklon waived his right to a jury trial and will be tried before the Chief Justice.
Ingram set a December 27 deadline for all pre-trial motions and scheduled a status conference for January 17, 2025 at which time a trial date will be decided.