Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A man who was released on his own recognizance (O.R.) earlier this year is now back in custody with bail set at $100

Sosoatu Tooala appeared in District Court yesterday morning for a pretrial conference.

During proceedings, Judge Elvis P. Patea noted that Tooala has made no effort to pay his court ordered fine of $100.

Assistant Public Defender Anna Whiles indicated to the court that her client is a busy man, he works hard to support his family.

But Judge Patea would not budge. He said Tooala appeared before him a month ago, during which time he ordered Tooala to take care of his fines.

Judge Patea then referred to case notes by now Associate Justice Fiti Sunia, ordering Tooala to pay the same fines, a month earlier.

"Your O.R. status is revoked," Judge Patea said. "He is remanded to custody."

Whiles immediately spoke out, on behalf of her client, saying her client has the money and can pay the fine.

"It's been a over a month and he couldn't pay $100?" Judge Patea fired back. "Pay $10 or $20 or something, to show that you are complying with the court's orders," Judge Patea said while looking at Tooala and his attorney.

He then scheduled a status hearing for next Tuesday, April 2.

Tooala was handcuffed and escorted out of the courtroom by the court marshal.