25 Nov 2006

Alleged people smuggler to be tried in Guam court

8:33 am on 25 November 2006

A Northern Marianas national who was indicted last week for smuggling at least five aliens has been released on his own recognizance.

The court has ordered Brett Halstead not to leave the island without court permission.

Halstead was charged before the U.S. District Court of Guam after allegedly trying to bring to the United States Chinese citizens Guo Ping Wei, Jin Xing Wang and three other unidentified aliens by transporting them by boat from the CNMI.

His trial is scheduled for January 15, next year.

Halstead was instructed to refrain from possessing a firearm and dangerous weapons, and any excessive use of alcohol.

He was also ordered not to use or possess drugs or other controlled substances.