Bail denied for DYA guard Sandra Ann Mesa

by Nick Delgado

Guam - Department of Youth Affairs guard 33-year-old Sandra Ann Mesa was denied bail during her hearing earlier this week. Mesa faces charges of burglary, attempted burglary, conspiracy to commit robbery, criminal facilitation, official misconduct, jurisdiction over an adult, promoting prison contraband and providing escape elements.

She is accused of befriending two female DYA clients by providing them tobacco products and mobile phone privileges, as well as allegedly helping a client escape from the facility.

DYA Director Benny Pinaula says she remains an employee with the agency and is on administrative leave without pay.  He told KUAM News, "The department of youth of affairs if very serious about this case, we don't take these kind of actions lightly, it concerns us when something like this happens internally, we're proud though that our staff cooperated with the Guam Police Department."

Aside from facing her criminal charges, Pinaula says an internal investigation is underway to determine what type of adverse action will be given.