by Mindy Aguon

Guam - Former police officers David Q. Manila and Anthony Quenga were back in the Superior Court of Guam today as their attorneys argued motions for a new trial and reduction of convictions. The defendants are seeking a new trial, alleging questionable prosecutorial conduct throughout the trial. Additionally they argue that none of the potential jurors in the pool had escaped exposure to the media coverage of the trial and some admitted they had already made up their minds but promised to keep an open mind during the trial anyway.

Quenga and Manila remain behind bars after they were convicted of various criminal charges including prostitution, kidnapping, and criminal sexual conduct. The defense also took issue with the kidnapping as a 1st degree felony charge.

Attorney Terry Timblin said, "There is nothing more than just threats, saying, 'If you don't do what Mama San says we're gonna arrest you.' Of course they never did but there was a threat but we submit the 2nd degree felony is adequately severe."

Assistant attorney general Christopher Odoca believed otherwise, noting, "The defendants didn't release the victims in a safe place. The victims were only released and put into a safe place, upon the night of the raid when the other officers came and release the victims on that day."

Superior Court Judge Anita Sukola took the motions under advisement and indicated that a sentencing date would be issued after the orders in the case.