Yet another break into the Government of Guam facility. This time, they targeted the Public Defender Service Corporation. It’s an issue that the folks at the Public Defender say, is an issue nationwide, not just in Guam.

It’s an institution tasked with defending the accused - the Public Defender Service Corporation finding itself in need of defense Tuesday following an early morning break-in to its facilities.

Stephen Hattori, the organization's executive director, said, “It’s kind of ironic, right? We represent many people charged with crimes, so we’re hoping no one would burglarize our office, but clearly, anyone on Guam is a potential victim of crime.” But despite Hattori’s hopes, the Sinajana office falling victim to a breach sometime between 1 and 3 a.m. - the alleged perpetrator thought to have entered the building utilizing a back door.

Guam PDSC administrative director Cathy Gogue on the aftermath the following day said, “When the employees came in yesterday morning, some of them found their desks ruffled up - drawers open, and one of the attorneys, their office, was broken into - the desk was broken into they took a cash box that included money for the employees association.”

While inside, the alleged culprit eating some food left in the office and pocketing about $700. Gogue said, “A bulk of that money came from the employees association," wth Hattori adding, "And it was kind of odd because there were more pricey electronics that were available, but they were not taken. It seemed like the individual was more concentrated on food–there was food taken, so someone who obviously has food security issues," with Gogue saying, "or needed food".

Hattori agreed, adding, “and money, really.”

Security cameras capturing the man in a white baseball cap and a long-sleeved shirt on the morning of the burglary. “We did reach out to the mayor to let him know we were burglarized, and he did mention that the individual is a resident of Sinajana," said Gogue.

Gogue telling KUAM that information was given to Guam Police, coinciding with the report following the burglary. Now, the folks with the Public Defender are hoping GPD investigates - leading to a possible arrest to be followed by the perpetrator going through the judicial system.

“We represent these clients who are alleged to have perpetrated or burglarized residence, and we believe it’s not just a Guam problem, it’s a national problem," Gogue said. "So, we’re hoping that - we have a social worker on our team who helps our clients get back - integrate back into the community, so that’s what we want to do is how can we help folks who need the help?

Guam’s attorney general, Doug Moylan, extending his support, saying, “A crime against the public defender is a crime against everybody in this community. They offer an invaluable service–a necessary service that is protected by the US Constitution, especially probably for whoever is breaking into them, that if they can’t afford an attorney the Public Defender’s there to help them.”

The AG urging whoever is responsible to turn themselves in.

Meantime, GPD spokesperson Officer Berlyn Savella confirming with KUAM that the investigation into the break-in is active.