Bill could help Guam address criminal sexual conduct cases
Joe Taitano II
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A bill to require defendants charged with criminal sexual conduct to undergo testing for HIV or other sexually transmitted diseases at the request of victims could help the island address criminal sexual conduct cases, according to testimony on the proposal.
While providing victims of criminal sexual conduct an avenue to determine potential exposure to STDs early on, it would also help the island comply with a nearly $900,000 grant from the U.S. Department of Justice to the Bureau of Women s Affairs. A condition of the grant is that Guam meets certain requirements concerning HIV testing of defendants charged with sexual offenses.
The 36th Guam Legislature will convene at 1 p.m. Friday to discuss bills to fund an Elder Law Center, require ethics training for GovGuam employees and create a soccer field in Ordot-Chalan Pago.
Sen. Amanda Shelton introduced Bill 100 to allow for the Public Defender Service Corporation to receive and administer grants to fund an Elder Law Center. The center is intended to provide legal counseling for elderly residents and refer them to the appropriate legal help.
It would also allow the Public Defender s office to enter into agreements with other government agencies toward addressing the needs and advocating for elderly residents.
Quinata appeared via Zoom for the hearing with his attorney, Brycen Breazeale from the alternate Public Defender s office. On behalf of Quinata, Breazeale entered a plea of not guilty for all charges, waived his right to a speedy trial and requested a jury of 12.
Presiding Judge Lamorena will take over court proceedings for the rest of Quinata s case.
Sked, also appeared via Zoom with her attorney, Zachary Taimanglo, from the Public Defender Service Corporation. Taimanglo said there were concurrent conflicts with the Public Defender Service Corporation and one of the witnesses in the case.
Sison appointed attorney Jeffrey Moots to defend Sked. Her arraignment was rescheduled to 2 p.m. April 28 before Magistrate Judge Quan.
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