Two inmates at the Department of Corrections are facing multiple felony charges after allegedly assaulting and restraining a corrections officer during a headcount earlier this month. According to a magistrate’s complaint filed Wednesday, Francis Jerome Taisacan, 31, and Bryan Joseph Guerrero, 36, are each charged with assault on a peace officer and felonious restraint, both as third-degree felonies, along with obstructing governmental functions as a misdemeanor. Prosecutors allege the pair attacked Corrections Officer on Aug. 2 while he was performing an evening headcount in Post 18 at the Mangilao facility.
Court documents state that Guerrero allegedly grabbed the officer from behind, restraining his arms, while Taisacan allegedly grabbed the officer’s legs, taking him to the ground. The officer told investigators he heard someone say “Now” before the attack began. He attempted to call for backup using his radio, but the suspects released him and fled moments later. The officer was able to make his way to the control unit, and both inmates were moved to a different post.
The Guam Police Department took custody of the defendants on Aug. 12, and both were formally arrested that morning. Taisacan and Guerrero remain accused of knowingly restraining the officer in a way that exposed him to the risk of serious injury, as well as interfering with the performance of his official duties. The charges carry potential prison sentences if convicted.
The Attorney General’s Office is prosecuting the case. As of Thursday, no trial date had been set. Both defendants are presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
