A Northern Marianas senator, Juan Ayuyu, remains in custody pending his trial on new charges of obstructing justice, tampering with witnesses, and attempting to destroy evidence over his initial charge of attempting to smuggle endangered fruit bats.
Chief Judge Ramona Manglona says Mr Ayuyu poses a serious risk of re-offending.
The judge says the prosecution has met the burden of proof that Mr Ayuyu has continued to disregard the law.
The senator is currently under indictment for his role in allegedly possessing and transporting federally protected Mariana fruit bats from Rota to Saipan two years ago.
