Attorney's argue over evidence in William Mantanona's pretrial conference

Both parties are gearing up for trial in William Topasna Mantanona's federal case.


Mantanona faces obstruction of justice charges, along with his brother retired Guam Police Department officer John "Boom" Mantanona and former Juror Greg Tyquiengco. They are accused of conspiring to influence the jury to vote "not guilty" in the Raymond Martinez and Juanita Moser drug trial.

Mantanona's pretrial conference hearing this morning included arguments as the prosecution's evidence includes the jury instructions, opening and closing statements from the Martinez trial and the defense wants to exclude the exhibit. Mantanona's attorney William Gavras argued that the evidence is not relevant to his client as the instructions were read to the juror, Greg Tyquiengco.

Assistant U.S. Attorney Rosetta San Nicolas responded that the instructions are relevant because they prove Tyquiengco was the juror and present his responsibilities as a juror. San Nicolas further argued that the exhibit will be offered as an aid for understanding to the jury.

Chief Judge Frances Tydingco-Gatewood ruled in favor of the government and will allow the evidence.

Trial has been set for Jan. 15.