Charles Lee Dewey III, who moved to Saipan in 2022 under the alias Carter Allen Widmor, appeared in Superior Court on Wednesday for a status conference.

Dewey was arrested on Saipan by CNMI authorities in January. He fled Indiana with at least six active warrants dating back to 2020 for cases involving rape, sexual misconduct with a minor, and drugs.

Assistant Attorney General Heather Barcinas said they are waiting for the extradition order from the state of Indiana and the Governor’s warrant.

Barcinas said, “The defendant did waive the hearing for the extradition. So as soon as all the paperwork is in place, the judge can issue an extradition order and the sheriff’s department, I believe from the state of Indiana, will be the one to be coming here to the CNMI to pick him up.”

Back in court, Dewey broke his silence and shared his version of the story against the advice of the assistant public defender. 

He handed his written remarks to the media on his way out of the courtroom.

In his four pages of remarks, Dewey apologized, saying, “Sorry to anyone who feels deceived or lied to.” 

He said he was the victim of a crime and was framed. Dewey said he ran away because he did not believe he would have a fair trial. 

He wrote, “I just want my life back.”

Dewey is set to appear in NMI court again later this month.