by Mindy Aguon, KUAM NewsThursday, July 03, 2008 Subscribe to Mindy's newsfeed
Two men who are charged with bulk cash smuggling and conspiracy will have separate trials. District Court Chief Judge Frances Tydingco Gatewood granted a motion to sever in the criminal case against Ernesto Verdera and Mark Bartolome.The two were busted by TSA agents when they tried to smuggle more than $800,000 out of the United States. The court granted Verdera's request to have a separate trial as the judge found that doing so would ensure both defendants receive a fair trial.Another hearing is scheduled for July 22 to determine trial dates for the two men.