Womens' identities may be protected in case

by Mindy Aguon

Guam - The federal government is hoping to protect the identity of ten women who are considered victims in the criminal case against in Ha and Song Cha, the former owners of the Blue House Lounge.  A protective order is being sought to shield the identity of ten victim-witnesses in this case.

The witnesses are expected to testify at trial and the government wants only to use their first names and not have them disclose where they reside or information about where they work or attended school.

The Chas are accused of bringing women from Chuuk to Guam and forcing them into prostitution at the Blue House Lounge. A judge has already thrown out evidence seized by police at the time of the search.  

According to court documents, one victim-witness was identified to be a minor at the time of the alleged acts, while the others were between the ages of 18 and 28.  The government argues that the women are victims of crimes and they should not be subject to public humiliation and embarrassment while testifying about the details of their prostitution.