3rd superceding indictment in Blue House Lounge case

by Mindy Aguon

Guam - A third superceding indictment is expected to be handed down on Friday in the ongoing Blue House Lounge criminal case.  The prosecution made the announcement during a status hearing this morning in the case against former Blue House owner Song Ja Cha and Police Officers David Q. Manila, Mario Laxamana and Anthony Quenga.

Last week the judge denied 16 of the defense motions including several motions to dismiss.

The Attorney General's Office meanwhile has moved for the recusal of Manila's attorney, William Pole.  Prosecutor Nelson Werner argued that four years ago, Pole worked at the AG's Office and handled the case involving the two civilians who were arrested when prostitution at the Blue House was first uncovered.  Werner said the police reports filed at that time indicated that an unidentified police officer had directly intimidated some of the victims in the case and they later learned it was Pole's client, Manila. 

Pole said his client waived any conflicts and said he had no knowledge four years ago of any police officer involvement in the prostitution ring and had no access to internal police reports. The court set a pre-trial conference for March 18 and the trial could begin the following week.

Werner meanwhile would not comment on whether additional defendants will be added to the superceding indictment only telling the court that it will spell out what defendants are involved in each count.  Quenga meanwhile is scheduled to appear back in court on Wednesday as he seeks release to a third-party custodian.