The Office of the Attorney General is seeking the maximum three-year prison sentence for a man convicted of stealing a vehicle, citing his criminal history and the need for deterrence.
Attorney General Douglas B. Moylan announced Tuesday that prosecutors are requesting the full sentence for Jonathan Cura Mataga, who pleaded guilty Jan. 29 to theft of a motor vehicle as a second-degree felony.
Sentencing is scheduled for 3 p.m. May 11 before Superior Court Judge Vernon P. Perez.
The charge stems from a Feb. 14, 2022 incident in which Mataga allegedly took a 2008 Suzuki XL7 during a supposed test drive and did not return it, according to court records.
Prosecutors argue the maximum sentence is warranted due to Mataga’s history as a repeat offender in similar cases and prior leniency granted by the court, including suspended incarceration. Authorities said he continued engaging in similar criminal conduct despite those opportunities.
In a sentencing memorandum filed by Assistant Attorney General Nicholas J. Ennis, the government contends a lesser sentence would “unduly depreciate the seriousness of the offense” and fail to deter future crimes, consistent with Guam law.
Officials also indicated the case is not isolated, noting Mataga was linked to additional suspected vehicle thefts under investigation at the time of his arrest.
The attorney general’s office said the sentencing request reflects its duty to protect the community and prevent repeat offenses.