UPDATE: Jamie Shimizu Cook, daughter-in-law of Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, has been released from house arrest and has pleaded not guilty to multiple assault charges, including aggravated assault. This significant development occurred on Thursday, marking a crucial moment in a case that has garnered widespread attention.
Cook, 46, appeared before Superior Court Magistrate Judge Sean Brown for her arraignment, where she formally responded to the allegations stemming from an incident on January 1, 2023. The charges against her include aggravated assault as a second-degree felony, alongside family violence and criminal mischief charges, all as third-degree felonies. During the hearing, Cook waived the reading of her indictment, entering a not guilty plea.
This case has profound implications not only for Cook but also for her family, as her defense attorney, Kristine Borja, emphasized the need for Cook to provide care for her minor children. “Ms. Cook is asking to lift the house arrest. She’s been compliant for about a month, no violations. It’s to better take care of her children,” Borja stated during the hearing.
The emotional weight of this situation is palpable, as Cook’s husband, Joaquin “Kin” Cook, president of the Bank of Guam, suffered injuries, including a laceration and swelling, during the alleged incident. Authorities report that Cook also rammed her vehicle into her husband’s parked car and a vehicle belonging to another woman, who is employed by the Guam Legislature.
Following her arrest, Cook was released the next day on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond, allowing her to leave without posting bail under the condition that she would return to court. The judge has now approved a 12-member jury for the upcoming trial and granted all statutory and constitutional discovery.
During the hearing, the judge also addressed the no-contact order; Borja noted that both parties are not opposing its lifting, indicating a potential shift in the dynamics of the case. The case has now been assigned to Superior Court Judge Maria T. Cenzon, who will inform the involved parties of the next steps through a written order.
As developments unfold, the community remains attentive to the implications this case holds for both the Cook family and the broader public. Cook’s supporters, including family and friends, were present at the hearing, underscoring the personal stakes involved.
This story is still developing, and further updates are expected as the legal process continues. Keep an eye on this case, as it continues to unfold in the coming weeks.
