by Mindy Aguon

Guam - As the District Court is getting ready to hear closing arguments in the case of Mateo Sardoma, Maria Edrosa, and Rudy Sablan, Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood denied a motion of judgment of acquittal on all charges. The three have been on trial for the last few months for their alleged involvement in a major drug ring on Guam.

The defense alleged the government failed to meet the burden of proof to show that a criminal enterprise conspiracy existed. Additionally they argued that there wasn't sufficient evidence to prove that Sardoma was in charge of five or more people conspiring to distribute meth and that Edrosa had knowledge of Sardoma being a convicted felon serving a term of one year.

Meanwhile, the court took a motion to strike a statement made by a witness against Edrosa, under advisement. Closing arguments are set for 8:30 Tuesday morning in the federal court.