Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The 40-year-old man accused of touching a woman’s breast in a sexual manner has admitted to the charge against him.

Talosaga Lolenese was initially charged with attempted rape and first degree sexual abuse, both class C felonies, punishable by imprisonment of not more than 7 years, a fine of $5,000 or both.

But under a plea agreement with the government, Lolenese pled guilty to the amended charge of attempted sexual abuse in the second degree, a class A misdemeanor, punishable by a jail term of not more than a year, a fine of not more than $1,000 or both.

Lolenese admits that on Oct. 12, 2018 he touched a woman’s breast — without her consent — to arouse and gratify his sexual desires.

The charges against Lolenese stem from an incident that occurred on Oct. 12, 2018 during a wedding party that Lolenese attended per an invitation from a friend. The victim is a member of the family that hosted the party.

The victim told police that she was inside her vehicle when a male — later identified as Lolenese — walked over to her and asked for a cigarette. The victim said she gave Lolenese a cigarette and they engaged in a friendly conversation outside her vehicle. At some point, Lolenese touched the victim’s breast. The woman said she pushed Lolenese away but he continued to come close to her and touched her breast a second time.

The victim managed to push Lolenese away and ran to the area where her family members were. Police were notified and Lolenese was arrested.

He will be sentenced Aug. 22nd.