Appellate court judge to hear forfeiture matter

by Mindy Aguon

Guam - A judge designated by the U.S. Court of Appeals for the 9th Circuit will preside over the federal government's forfeiture action on $137,000 that was seized from Kenrick Gajo.

Because her brother, Chief Prosecutor Phil Tydingco, will likely be a material witness, District Court Chief Judge Frances Tydingco Gatewood has recused herself from the case. 

Meanwhile, in a related case the U.S. Attorney's Office was supposed to file a response to Attorney Curtis Van De Veld's opposition to a warrant for $30,000 he was paid in drug proceeds to represent Gajo. The feds have moved to have that money forfeited as well but Van De Veld says he already spent it. 

A hearing is scheduled for July 16.