BREAKING: Jamie Shimizu Cook, daughter-in-law of Guam’s Governor Lou Leon Guerrero, has been released from house arrest and has formally pleaded not guilty to multiple assault charges against her husband, Bank of Guam president Joaquin “Kin” Cook. This urgent development unfolded during an arraignment hearing on Thursday, where Cook, 46, faced the charges stemming from an incident on January 1, 2023.
Cook appeared before Superior Court Magistrate Judge Sean Brown, where she responded to serious allegations, including aggravated assault as a second-degree felony and several other charges related to family violence and terroristic conduct. The charges highlight the gravity of the situation—Cook is accused of not only assaulting her husband but also of damaging his vehicle and that of another woman involved.
During the hearing, Cook waived the reading of the indictment, entering a plea of not guilty. Her defense attorney, Kristine Borja, successfully argued for the lifting of house arrest, stating that it was necessary for Cook to care for her minor children. “Ms. Cook is asking to release, lift the house arrest. She’s been compliant for about a month, no violations,” Borja emphasized.
The judge approved a jury of 12 members and granted all statutory and constitutional discovery. The next steps in this case will be dictated by Superior Court Judge Maria T. Cenzon, who is expected to notify parties of the next hearing date via written order.
Cook was initially arrested after an alleged domestic incident in Chalan Pago, where she reportedly assaulted her husband, causing him minor injuries. Court documents reveal that he sustained a small laceration on his upper lip and a bite mark on his forearm. On that same day, Cook allegedly crashed her vehicle into both her husband’s parked car and another woman’s vehicle, intensifying the case’s implications.
After her arrest, Cook was released on a $10,000 personal recognizance bond, allowing her to leave without posting bail, provided she returned for court hearings. At her arraignment, she was supported by family and friends, including notable figures like Lesley-Anne Leon Guerrero from the Bank of Guam, while her husband was notably absent.
This case has attracted significant public interest due to its implications for the governor’s family and the ongoing discourse around domestic violence in Guam. As developments unfold, the community will be watching closely to see how the judicial process addresses these serious allegations.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story, as both the legal proceedings and the family dynamics continue to evolve.
