Defense eyes April 2024 trial

The jury trial in the criminal case of former governor Ralph DLG Torres has yet to be rescheduled anew but the defense has verbally proposed any date in April 2024.

In a motion hearing and status conference at the Superior Court last Monday to discuss the status of the case, the defense, led by Viola Alepuyo, said they are proposing a trial date in April 2024 to give ample time for the court to rule on all pending motions in the case, including the motion to amend the information against Torres, the subpoena issued by the Office of the Attorney General for Torres’ financial records, the motion to disqualify special prosecutor James Kingman, and more.

In addition, the defense argues that a trial date 10 months from now would provide ample time to prepare for trial and to send out jury summons.

The prosecution, on the other hand, proposed a December 2023 trial date for a number of reasons, including the fact that Kingman’s contract with the OAG is only valid for one year.

However, the prosecution did not oppose an April 2024 trial date.

Ralph DLG Torres

Superior Court judge pro tem Arthur Barcinas, who is presiding over the case, said he would issue an order with dates that would be most convenient and will allow the parties 10 days to respond with the most convenient date for them to have the trial.

Besides Torres, his group of lawyers, and Kingman, chief solicitor Robert Glass Jr. was also present at the motion hearing and status conference.

Torres’ June 5 trial was vacated last month due to numerous pending motions and Guam judge Alberto Tolentino’s decision to remove himself from the case due to health reasons.

In a later interview with Kingman, he said, “It doesn’t surprise me that there would be a longer timeline for a case like this. I think that there are obvious reasons to want to have a speedy trial but there’s also a compelling reason to make sure there is appropriate time for all parties involved to prepare for trial. So if it’s after two years since the case has been filed or not, that’s not out of bounds for cases like this.”

Also during Monday’s motion hearing, Barcinas heard arguments from Kingman and defense counsel Anthony Aguon regarding the prosecution’s recent issuance of a subpoena for a particular bank account at the Bank of Guam held by Torres.

The subpoena sought the production of Torres’ financial records in connection with the misconduct in office allegations filed by the OAG against the former governor.

Torres’ defense team had opposed the subpoena, arguing that it violates Torres’ rights as well as the rights of his wife as the account is a joint account.

Following the arguments, Barcinas said he needs to review the arguments presented before he can make a decision. In the meantime, he verbally ordered that no documents be produced until he has issued his ruling on the subpoena. Kingman was tasked to relay this message to the Bank of Guam.