by Mindy Aguon

Guam - The federal government is making the final preparations for $137,687 to be forfeited. The money was seized by the Guam Police Department following a search warrant that was conducted at the Gajo & Sons Auto Body Shop in Barrigada earlier this year. Kenrick Gajo gave police the money and agreed to cooperate with authorities about his drug cohorts and information he had about police officers involved in drug distribution on the island.

The feds have been pursuing the forfeiture of the more than $137K Gajo turned over as they argue the money was from proceeds of drug sales. A preliminary order of forfeiture was recently filed with the court and now awaits the judge's signature. As for the $30,000 Gajo paid to defense attorney Curtis Van De Veld at the time of the raid, the feds are still pursuing forfeiture of this money, as well.

The case is assigned to District Judge David Ezra. Van De Veld has said the money is spent and that he shouldn't have to return it. The feds contend the law does not allow for an attorney to be paid from drug proceeds.

A scheduling order and discovery plan is due to the court on October 13.