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Two high school students who stoned a DPS car get 2 yrs probation

American Samoa High Court building
They are ordered to pay restitution and graduate from school
ausage@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The two high school students convicted of stoning a police car while cops were driving to the Leone Substation from Malaeloa in March of this year were sentenced this past Thursday morning to two years probation.

Susi Fiso and Jeremiah Moe, both 18, appeared in High Court for sentencing. Prosecuting the case was Assistant Attorney General, Laura Garvey; representing the defendant was Assistant Public Defender Rob McNeill.

Both defendants were initially charged with first-degree property damage, a class D felony, punishable by up to 5 years in jail, a fine of up to $5,000 or both.

However, under the plea agreement with the government, the pair both pled guilty to an amended count of third-degree property damage, a class A misdemeanor, punishable by up to one year in jail, a fine of up to $1,000 or both.

The government recommended that each man pay restitution of $950, as part of the agreement.

Both defendants were in custody since the day of their arrest, until the day they appeared in court last month for a Change of Plea hearing.

After the court accepted their guilty pleas, Chief Justice Michael Kruse released the young men to their parents, pending sentencing.

When given the chance to address the court, both defendants apologized for their actions and begged for a second chance to continue their education and be with their families, especially their parents.

Attorneys from both sides recommended a probated sentence without any additional period of detention.

Both Fiso and Moe are placed on probation for two years, subject to several conditions.

Each shall pay restitution of $950, and they must perform 80 hours each of community service under the supervision of the Probation Office. They are also to graduate from school and be law-abiding citizens throughout the duration of probation.