Escape case against Johnny Atalig could reach agreement

There may be a resolution before trial for Johnny Borja Atalig, one of the two escapees from a halfway house.


Atalig appeared in Judge Maria Cenzon's courtroom this afternoon and according to his attorney William Bischoff, there could be an agreement reached.

In addition, Bischoff told the court he sent a stipulation back in December for Atalig's personal belongings at the halfway house to be turned over to his daughter and has yet to receive a response from the Office of the Attorney General. The government told the court they would look into it.

Trial was set for Sept. 16. As we've reported, there is an internal investigation to the two escapees incident that is currently being conducted by the Guam Police Department. According to the Department of Correction spokesperson Major Anotone Aguon, GPD is still working on finalizing the reports, including the escape at the Hagatna Detention Facility. 

"I don't know specifics I do know they have interviewed a lot of people," he said. "Officers in the housing unit and stuff, but again I don't know all the people they have questioned but I know it's been a lot. There's been a lot of employees' questions. "We are just waiting for GPD to finish their investigation and then once the director has the report then he will make the decision of what course of action is necessary."

Aguon said currently there are about 10 officers assigned to the halfway house, all of which have been interviewed by GPD.