by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Preparations are getting underway for the trial of former governor Carl Gutierrez and former Government of Guam Retirement Fund Director John Rios. During a pre-trial conference this morning, prosecutor Bill Bischoff informed the court that he added Retirement Fund employee Rose Ellie Bordallo and Gutierrez's chief of staff, Gil Shinohara to the witness list. Shinohara was acquitted for the same case.

Gutierrez and Rios are accused of illegally enhancing retirement benefits for the former governor. Jury selection is slated to begin on May 12 at the Northern Court Satellite, but attorneys for both sides have asked the court to move the trial to the Judicial Center in Hagatna.

Judge Pro-Tem Richard Benson says he will make an effort, but couldn't be certain the venue could be changed because of conflicting schedules in the Hagatna courthouse.