by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Former Blue House Lounge owner Song Ja Cha can't appeal her case to the Guam Supreme Court until after she's gone through a second trial. That was the decision of the Guam Supreme Court today that found it lacks jurisdiction to hear Cha's appeal at this time.

Cha filed an appeal alleging criminal charges filed against her should be dismissed due to double jeopardy. She's already been convicted in federal court for coercing young Chuukese women to come to Guam and forcing them to work in her bar and perform sexual acts. She and Police Officers David Manila and Anthony Quenga face criminal charges in the Superior Court of Guam.

Justices noted that Cha may have a claim of double jeopardy but it can be brought up only after a second trial and conviction. The high court also found that the appeal may protect Cha from substantial and irreparable injury but her co-defendants who have asserted speedy trial remain confined and may suffer substantial and irreparable harm caused by the delay of the proceedings. The matter was remanded back to the Superior Court, but no hearing has been set at this time.

Of note is that another co-defendant, Police Officer Mario Laxamana, back in March entered into a plea agreement to cooperate with authorities and testify in exchange for a suspended jail sentence.