Former Yona Mayor Jesse Blas’ motion for release was denied again by the federal court which stated that while his situation has changed since he was initially detained, he still hasn’t proved that he is not a flight risk or a danger to the community.
The former mayor has been incarcerated since his Sept. 24 arrest on federal extortion-related drug charges. He is waiting to be sentenced, according to a plea deal he accepted in February.
With the sentencing hearing not until Aug. 10, Blas asked to be temporarily released to allow him to take care of personal matters prior to being sentenced and sent off-island to a federal prison.
He argued that there is no area where he may sit in private without any other inmates, lawyers, or officers present to discuss his case. He added that he is not receiving the medical care he needs from the Department of Corrections.
But District Court Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood denied the motion, stating that his arguments do not address the risk of flight or danger posed to the community.
Although she denied the motion, the Chief Judge indicated that she is concerned by the assertions Blas has made in his motion and has set a status conference for May 21 to address the concerns.
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