Judge denies police officer's request for release

by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Police Officer Anthony Quenga was denied his request to be released from jail to third-party custodians. He is one of several defendants charged in connection with the Blue House Lounge prostitution case.  Quenga's attorney, John Terlaje, sought his client's release saying he is a decorated police officer with no prior criminal history and is no threat to the community. 

Prosecutor Nelson Werner opposed the release, expressing concerns of intimidation or threatening of witnesses.  Judge Anita Sukola denied the release, request saying the safety of the victims in the case is of grave concern. 

Another hearing for all the defendants is scheduled for March 18, when the court is expected to set a trial date.  The prosecution meanwhile is expected to obtain a third superceding indictment on Friday.

In anticipation of the trial, defense attorneys meanwhile are reviewing more than 1,600 pages of discovery and more than 1,000 pages of logbooks that were just recently turned over by the government.