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High Court moves on pending cases, sets sentencing

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reporters@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A man convicted of stealing was ordered to serve 28 months at the TCF and pay restitution of $740 to the victim, as conditions of his 7-year probation.

Fereti Alesana, 26, appeared in court last week for sentencing.

He has been in custody since his arrest last year, unable to post a $10,000 surety bond.

Alesana was initially charged with stealing and first-degree burglary, both class C felonies.

Under a plea agreement with the government, he pled guilty to stealing and admitted that on the night of Apr. 23, 2018, he unlawfully entered an Asian store in Tafuna and stole several items, some of which he sold to his friend.

When given the chance to speak, Alesana apologized and begged for a second chance so he can return home and care for his family, and serve his village and church.

He said his drug problem made him do what he did, and the 12 months he has spent in prison has taught him a lesson. He now realizes that there is no place like home.

Alesana was sentenced to 7 years probation with the condition that he serve 28 months at TCF. He is also to pay a $1,000 fine and restitution of $740.

Due to his illegal immigration status, upon release from detention, Alesana is to depart the territory and remain outside of its borders for the duration of probation.

A copy of the judgment and sentence is to be forwarded to Immigration, to ensure that Alesana's name is on the lookout list.

ELLIOTT SIAUMAU JR

A man with three pending cases in High Court is asking that one of his cases be set for trial.

Elliott Siaumau Jr., 35, appeared in High Court last Friday for a pretrial conference. His attorney noted that after reviewing discovery from the government regarding the third case, they feel that the only way to resolve it, is to set it for trial.

Siaumau Jr, who had two pending cases from last year, was arrested again two months ago on allegations that he assaulted his cousin, 25, and stole his money.

He is out on a $50,000 surety bond for this case.

The two pending cases include one that charges him with third degree assault, PPD, resisting arrest, and interfering with prosecution, in addition to two traffic citations, after he took police on a high-speed chase on Nov. 22, 2017

In Feb. 2018, he was charged with second-degree assault and PPD after allegedly assaulting a man.

PERENISE LOLENESE

A 41-year-old man from Samoa accused of assaulting another man has pled guilty.

Perenise Lolenese who has been in custody since his arrest last year, unable to post a $15,000 surety bond, appeared in High Court last week for a Change of Plea.

Lolenese was initially charged with second-degree assault and stealing, both felonies, and one count of disturbing the public peace. But under a plea agreement, Lolenese pled guilty to second-degree assault and the remaining charges were dismissed.

Lolenese admits that on Mar. 8, 2018 he had an argument with Lokeni Aliivaa of Pava’ia’i, during which he punched Aliivaa in the jaw, causing him to fall to the ground. While Aliivaa was down, Lolenese punched him again on the face and kicked his back multiple times.

According to the government, Lolenese and Aliivaa shared the same land for plantation purposes. On the day in question, Lolenese was disappointed when he discovered that Aliivaa stole his harvest and sold it to the neighbors.

Sentencing is set for June 21