Settlement possible between former club owner, feds

by Mindy Aguon

Guam - The federal government and former Blue House Lounge owner Song Ja Cha are trying to work out a settlement with regard to a forfeiture action for $292,000. The feds are seeking to have that money forfeited as they contend it came from illegal prostitution that was occurring at Cha's business. 

Cha was convicted of sex trafficking by force, coercion and enticement to travel for prostitution and conspiracy.  During a preliminary pre-trial conference this afternoon, the parties informed the court that they may have reached an agreement on the forfeiture issue.  The judge meanwhile has taken the defense's motion for a new trial under advisement.

Cha remains behind bars awaiting sentencing which will be held sometime early next year.