MAN JAILED 12 MONTHS FOR VIOLATION OF PROBATION

Associate Justice Lyle L Richmond and Associate Judge Mamea Sala Jr were not lenient even after a plea from Ioane Faimata who violated his seven-year probation when he was convicted of a Public Peace Disturbance in the District Court recently.

After entering into a plea agreement last year to second degree burglary amended from burglary first degree and stealing, Richmond sentenced Faimata to seven years in jail, however execution of sentencing was suspended and he was placed on probation for seven years under the condition that he serves 28 months. Upon serving 16 months the defendant was released from jail on the conditions that he remains law-abiding, not consume alcohol or congregate with those who are drinking, and not enter any bars or taverns.

During sentencing on his probation violation, Fa’amata apologized for his actions and for violating his probation terms.

He expressed remorse and asked the court to allow him another chance to go home and look for a job to care for his family. The judges apparently did not buy the plea and he was sentenced to 12 months. Juege Mamea pointed out that it appeared the defendant had not learned a lesson from the time he was incarcerated.

POLICE  ARREST FINAL SUSPECT IN 2011 BURGLARY CASE

The final suspect in a burglary case in 2011 was arrested earlier this week and bail has been set at $10,000. James Tuato’o was one of four men accused in the burglary of the O&O warehouse in Petesa. The other defendants have since served their time and have been released from jail.

Tuato’o was arraigned in the High Court on Thursday and during his arraignment the High Court was immediately informed that the defendant wishes to expedite a guilty plea hearing and he’s ready to enter a guilty plea in the matter.

According to the government’s case, on February 8, 2011,Det Sgt Filemoni Amituana’i who was off duty reported a burglary in progress at O & O Enterprise’s warehouse next door to his residence in Petesa. 

Amituana’i informed the investigator he was awakened by his wife and father-in-law concerning some kids from the neighborhood that were carrying loads of what seemed to be boxes of merchandise from O&O warehouse and placing them at the front gate of a vacant piece of land next to his house.

Amituana’i observed four suspects removing the merchandise and was able to recognize them by face as they rested under a light pole near the warehouse. 

The off duty police officer rushed downstairs from his house in an attempt to approach them but as he was walking towards them, two police unites arrived and the suspects scattered, running away and eventually they disappeared into the darkness of night. The responding officers observed the stolen merchandise was 10 cases of products and they were recovered. 

The estimated total value of the stolen items was $600 and the products, which were photographed and returned to O&O, were three cases of Downy, three cases of laundry detergent, two cases of Pure Wesson oil and two cases of saimin bowls.

The police contacted three of the men and they admitted to their involvement pointing out that it was Tuatoo’s idea to burglarize the warehouse. However when the police contacted, the defendant he denied any involvement in the incident. 

The change of plea hearing in this case is now set for next week Tuesday.

The reason for the delayed arrest was not noted.