by Krystal Paco

Guam - It was a full house this morning as dozens packed Judge Anita Sukola's courtroom in support of the lesser sentence for the final defendant convicted in the Blue House Lounge prostitution ring.

For 21 years Anthony Quenga served the Guam Police Department as a police officer, but for the next three decades, he'll be serving time behind bars.

Testimonies from a longtime friend, a former boss, and a sister just weren't enough. James Howard said, "He's a good man. Not only to me but to other people. He's human. And it's really sad for me to see this predicament. He shouldn't be here. Paul Suba also noted, "He was exemplary on all occasions. My observation of not only his work ethic but his personality was very refreshing that he could work with the community quite well."

And Teresita Sablan said, "He's a great father. His kids come first and his family comes first. That's the way it's always been."

And just moments before his sentencing was issued, former police officer Anthony Quenga addressed the court for himself. With tears in his eyes, he pleaded his innocence. Reflecting on the last 17 months detained, he says it's been a nightmare he's yet to wake from. "To the alleged victims, if I had done something wrong I'd be the first to show remorse if I was responsible. For even a mere charge of all the many charges against me. However I still stand my ground that I am innocent and like I said, they've got the wrong Tony."

But as prosecutor Jonathan Quan argued, even the best of men are capable of committing crimes. With this, Quan requested Quenga be sentenced the maximum life behind bars without the possibility of parole. "Good work over the years can be wiped out by one act. And they were definitely wiped out by the defendants multiple acts as proven by the jury," he said. "Good men can do evil and vile things that are criminal. 1408 good men can commit crime."

Taking all of today's proceedings into consideration, the court ordered a total of 30 years behind bars for charges including criminal sexual conduct, second degree criminal sexual conduct, kidnapping, compelling prostitution, and official misconduct. "There will be no fines. There will be no restitution. No community service. No court costs. No forfeiture. The court is going to order that you register as a lifetime sex offender with our registry. You are to take an HIV testing and DNA testing and all testing necessary for a person convicted like yourself," said Judge Sukola.

On Monday, former police officer and codefendant David Manila was also sentenced to 30 years behind bars.

We should note, during his testimony both Quenga and Manila have expressed interest in appealing their convictions.

We should also note, the Attorney General's Office has yet to close the case as the investigation continues.