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Drug offender enters into plea agreement over baggies of marijuana

Just say no to marijuana symbol
ausage@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A man accused of violating local drug laws has entered into a plea agreement with the government.

Aleki Siologa appeared in court this week for a change of plea hearing. He was initially charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance (marijuana); however, under a plea agreement with the government, accepted by the court, he pled guilty to the amended and lesser charge of unlawful possession of marijuana, a class D felony, punishable by jail time of up to five years, a fine of up to $5,000 or both.

With his plea, Siologa admits that on Aug. 24, 2018 he had in his possession two small baggies containing marijuana. Siologa admits that he gave two small baggies to a friend, and he kept the other two for himself.

Due to his illegal immigration status, the government is recommending a probated sentence for Siologa, under the condition that he depart the territory and remain outside of its borders for the duration of probation.

Siologa was inside a blue truck with another male when it was pulled over by police during a traffic stop in Leone.

During a body search, officers discovered two small baggies containing a green leafy substance (marijuana) in Siologa’s possession. A glass pipe commonly used to smoke meth was also found on Siologa, but no drugs were inside the glass pipe.

Siologa, who has been in custody since his arrest unable to post a $5,000 surety bond will be sentenced Aug. 10th