Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The High Court has scheduled for next month, the sentencing of a 28-year-old man from Malaeimi, who pled guilty to stealing, under a plea agreement with the government.

The remaining charges were dismissed.

The charges against Kitiona Mika stem from an incident back in October 2017 whereby he broke into a home in Malaeimi.

The family told police that someone entered through the back door — which was damaged — to gain access into the house.

According to the government, upon entering the home, Mika headed to the living room where he took a laptop, iPad, clothes, and sports shoes. He then went to another room where the family stored gifts, and stole more clothing items — t-shirts and shoes.

While police were investigating the break-in, Mika’s former girlfriend contacted authorities and told them that she had heard about a friend, who received a free t-shirt and a pair of shoes from Mika.           

After he was taken in for questioning, police interviewed Mika, at which time, he denied any involvement in the Malaeimi break-in.

But when police searched Mika’s home, several items stolen from the Malaeimi residence were recovered.

When questioned by the court about the stolen items, Mika, who has been in custody since his arrest, said police officers took some of the items and returned them back to the owner.

The other stolen items however, he gave to his friends and were never recovered.