Ads by Google Ads by Google

Man who assisted in burglarizing a Fagaima store pleads out

Court Report logo
ausage@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A man charged with conspiracy to commit stealing has entered into a plea agreement with the government.

Ualesi Filipo, who is out on a $5,000 surety bond, was initially charged with conspiracy to commit stealing and first-degree burglary, both felonies. However, under a plea agreement with the government, Filipo pled guilty to conspiracy to commit stealing, a class C felony, punishable by up to 7 years imprisonment, and a fine of up to $5,000 or both.

With his guilty plea, Filipo admits that during the early morning hours of Oct. 20, 2017, he assisted two young men who broke in to - and stole items from - an Asian owned store in Fagaima.

According to terms of the plea agreement, Filipo used his truck to transport the stolen items from the store to the home of Fereti Atonio, one of the co-defendants in this case, in an effort to conceal the stolen goods from police.

Filipo further admits that he also took several items — including canned food and one case of beer — for himself.

The government is recommending a probated sentence and restitution of $234.

Sentencing for Filipo is scheduled in August.