Posted at 2:54 p.m., Friday, June 8, 2007
Guilty verdict in Philippines ID theft case
By KEN KOBAYASHI
Advertiser Courts Writer
Calucag was convicted of felony counts related to allegations that he fraudulently obtained property owned by John Elwin after Elwin disappeared during a trip to the Philippines last year. Authorities are investigating possible homicide charges related to Elwin's death.
Circuit Judge Michael Town scheduled Calucag's sentencing for Aug. 29.
Calucag remains in custody without bail.
City Deputy Prosecutor Chris Van Marter said Calucag faces a mandatory maximum prison term of 20 years. He said he will ask that Calucag's sentencing on the felony convictions run consecutively which, if granted, would result in a much longer prison term.
Calucag's lawyer, Mark Kawata, said they were disappointed because there was a "clear" reasonable doubt to all of the charges.
The jury deliberated for about a day and a half before returning the verdict.
