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Man who admits to drug possession will be sentenced next month

American Samoa High Court building
ausage@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A 52-year-old man accused of violating local drug laws has entered into a plea agreement with the government.

Faavae Alofatalitiga, who has been in custody since his arrest, unable to post a $5,000 surety bond, appeared in court last week for a Change of Plea hearing.

He was originally charged with one count of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, to wit; methamphetamine, a felony punishable by 5-10 years in jail, and a fine between $5,000- $20,000, or both.

However, under a plea agreement with the government, Alofatalitiga pled guilty to the amended charge of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, to wit, methamphetamine. With his guilty plea, Alofatalitiga admits that on Sept. 30, 2017 he had in his possession two glass pipes and two small baggies that contained methamphetamine.

According to terms of the plea agreement, Alofatalitiga’s vehicle was pulled over by police during a traffic stop in Nuuuli. During a body search, officers discovered two glass pipes and two small baggies containing methamphetamine.

When questioned by police, Alofatalitiga said he bought the two glass pipes and two small baggies from a man named “Spunky” of Tafuna for $150. He further told police that the drugs are for his own personal use.

Alofatalitiga is scheduled to appear in court next month for sentencing.