by Mindy Aguon

Guam - It was a case that broke wide open two years ago after federal authorities executed raids at multiple establishments in Guam believed to be running illegal gambling operations. Several people were subsequently indicted and brought to trial, and now two of those individuals were found guilty on multiple charges this afternoon in federal court.

It took a federal jury less than two full days of deliberation to find William Perez and Jenny Pau guilty of illegal gambling, illegal gambling business, and multiple counts of money laundering. Pau was found guilty on additional charges of structuring.

In 2011 Pau and Perez were indicted by a federal grand jury along with several other people who were connected to the Overseas Chinese Association Center. The defendants were accused of using the non-profit organization, as a front to funnel proceeds from illegal gambling that was conducted under the guise of legitimate businesses.

Specifically for Perez and Pau the two along with others defendants who are being tried separately were indicted for participating in illegal gambling operations that were conducted at the former MGM Spa, which was purported to be a health club and massage spa. According to court documents, the defendants were accused of offering illegal poker and baccarat games and taking a certain percentage of the winnings for their own financial gain. It's alleged that the monthly $12,500 rent for the Tamuning buildingwas a way to launder the money that was made from the illegal gambling.

As for the trial of one of the other co-defendants in the case, Wai Kam Ho, it apparently remains on hold as he has claimed that he is tending to his fugitive wife, Betsy Tang, who reportedly is on her deathbed. The court has yet to set a trial date for ho.

Pau and Perez meanwhile are scheduled to be sentenced on March 28 at 10 o'clock in the morning.