Guam - Superior Court Judge Anita Sukola has granted the government's motion to have Police Officer David Q. Manila's attorney, William Pole, removed from the case. Several weeks ago Assistant Attorney General Nelson Werner asked for Pole's disqualification because the defense attorney previously acted as a prosecutor in a matter related to the Blue House Lounge prosecution in 2008. 

Werner argued that pole had access to police reports that were generated at that time.  Pole argued there was no conflict since his client wasn't identified and charged until several years later and waived any conflict.

In a decision and order issued today, Judge Sukola determined that Pole's disqualification is necessary as the Attorney General's Office has not consented to waive any such conflict as required by the Guam Rules of Professional Conduct.  Sukola also favored the motion out of an abundance of caution. 

The court is set to hear the government's motion to sever on Monday morning when she may also set the matter for trial.