Opening statements in the trial for three defendants accused in an illegal gambling scheme hits a snag. 

Co-defendants Michael Marisigan, Jose Art Chan and Christine Chan appeared before Chief Judge Frances Tydingco Gatewood in the District Court of Guam today. 

Defense argued record keeping at the Department of Revenue and Taxation is “so poor” that there is certain evidence missing in the case. 

The judge allowed parties time to review all permits and letters of authorization at Rev and Tax before trial gets underway. 

Defense Attorney Mike Phillips even called for a mistrial, but the judge denied it. 

They are back in court Tuesday afternoon. 

As KUAM reported, the feds uncovered that from March 2015 to December 2021, the defendants allegedly conspired and agreed to conduct an illegal gambling business involving bingo games sponsored by the Guam Shrine Club. 

Others indicted in the case have since taken plea deals.