Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A young man convicted of stealing from his former employer has been sentenced to 20 months detention, as a condition of his 5-year probation term.

Execution of his jail term is suspended for Laupama Filisi, who was formerly employed by T&M Mart in Tafuna. He will only have to serve 12 months behind bars, if he follows every probation condition set by the court.

The court took into consideration the fact that Filisi immediately took responsibility for his crime and this is the first time he has been charged and convicted of a felony.

Once he is released from the Territorial Correctional Facility (TCF), Filisi has 90 days to secure gainful employment. And if he fails to do so, he will be sent back to jail to serve out the remaining 8 months of his 20-month jail sentence.

Other conditions of probation prohibit Filisi from setting foot at T&M Mart in Tafuna, and remaining a law-abiding citizen.

The court had decided not to order Filisi to depart the territory after serving his jail term; however, Filisi has been informed that the court will enforce this issue if he fails to comply with conditions of probation.

Filisi was initially charged with stealing, burglary, and first-degree property damage, all felonies. But under a plea agreement with the government, accepted by the court, Filisi pled guilty to 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, Filisi admits that on Nov. 12, 2017 while working at T&M Mart in Tafuna as a security guard, he unlawfully entered the warehouse located at the back of the store and stole several items, which he later sold to a taxi driver for $150. The stolen items included canned food, a case of beer, and two cartons of cigarettes.

When given the chance to address the court, Filisi apologized for his actions and asked for leniency. He promised the court that he will not commit any more crimes, but he will find a job so he can pay his fine.

Defense attorney, Assistant Public Defender, Rob McNeill asked the court to sentence his client to probation, and credit him for the 10 months he has already served in pretrial confinement.

McNeill said he spoke to his client, who assured him that he would never break the law again because he now understands that prison is not a good place for him.

According to the court, Filisi will have to serve 2 more months before he is released from custody.