By Gina Tabonares
Variety News Staff

THE District Court of Guam appointed a new counsel for Lourdes Castro Duenas after the first lawyer appointed to her withdrew his representation for conflict of interest.
Duenas, 40, was charged along with her husband Raymond Ignacio Duenas with conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine, possession of methamphetamine with intent to distribute, and using and carrying a firearm during a drug trafficking.
They were the main suspects in a series of burglaries and drug deals on the island and were arrested last month during a raid.
They entered not guilty to all the charges with their lawyers, Federal Public Defender John Gorman and Patrick Civille.
However, Civille filed a motion to withdraw on May 4, stating that Duenas creates a conflict with an existing client of his law firm, the Civille & Tang PLLC.
Presiding Judge Joaquin Manibusan granted Civille’s motion and appointed Atty. Cynthia V. Ecube to represent Lourdes Duenas.
The trial of the couple was earlier set for July 2 at 9:30 a.m.
The Duenases are now detained at the Hagatna detention facility and are also facing related charges, including multiple counts of burglary filed in the Superior Court of Guam.