Cha denies knowing workers had sex for money

by Mindy Aguon

Guam - In a surprise move today, Song Cha took the stand to tell jurors her side of the story as she faces charges of conspiracy, sex trafficking, coercion and enticement to travel for the purpose of prostitution.  For the last week, jurors have heard testimony from Cha's former employees, some of whom were minors when they were recruited from Chuuk, who said they were forced to have sex with customers. 

Cha claims she never knew that the women, who would go into VIP rooms with different men, were having sex. She testified had she known, she would have fired the girls on the spot.

Cha did admit that whenever a customer went into the VIP room she would receive $40.  Two of her employees got pregnant, but Cha claims the women were not impregnated while working at the Blue House Lounge. She took one of them to get an abortion and soon after took the women to get birth control shots.

Defense attorney Howard Trapp sought a judgment of acquittal arguing the evidence was insufficient, but Judge Dean Pregerson denied the motion. 

Jury instructions and closing arguments will be presented when the trial continues on Tuesday at the District Court.