Defense files for new trial in Blue House case

by Mindy Aguon

Guam - A question posed by the government to a witness in the Song Ja Cha trial is the basis for the defense's motion for a new trial. Attorney Howard Trapp claims his client was substantially prejudiced and deprived of a fair trial. Trapp referred to the testimony of one of the former Blue House workers who said that when police raided the lounge, Cha had told the workers to hide beer bottles and ice.

Attorneys then discussed the statement with the judge.  The defense expressed concerns that the jury would believe that Cha was hiding narcotics, not ice cubes.

The defense also alleges the court erred when it denied Cha's motion for a mistrial. Cha was convicted of bringing women from Chuuk for prostitution.