LEVA’A LESULI SENTENCED TO JAIL IN CONNECTION WITH ASSAULT CASE

A man who struck another man with a metal pipe was sentenced to six months in jail for his crime. Leva’a Lesuli pleaded guilty to second degree assault, as part of a plea agreement with the government. The plea deal was accepted, and Chief Justice Michael Kruse sentenced Lesuli to five years probation. During sentencing the defendant apologized for his actions and said that his wife has special needs, and there’s a need for him to be gainfully employed to care for his family.

The defendant apologized to the victim and to his family for what happened and asked them to forgive him. He said time spent in jail, has taught him an important lesson and he will not repeat this behavior.

Kruse pointed out that the defendant had gone to the victim’s home and assaulted him using a metal pipe. This occurred after the victim went to the defendant’s house and used profane language, while the defendant’s family was asleep.

Kruse says the court believed that if the victim had not done what he did, nothing would have happened. He further pointed out the victim is not new to the court as he’s also a repeat offender.

Kruse sentenced Lesuli to five years in jail, however stayed execution of sentence and placed Lesuli on probation for a period of five years under the conditions that he pays a $1,000 fine and spend six months in jail. He must then seek employment to care for his family.

Furthermore, the defendant was ordered to pay for the victim’s medical bill, and he must remain a law abiding citizen.

AUKUSITINO FALANA’I ENTERS GUILTY PLEA

A 25-year-old man who was arrested on allegations that he broke into two homes in Tafuna, and is facing burglary charges, has entered into a plea agreement with the government.  Aukusitino Falana’i pleaded guilty to second degree burglary, amended from first degree burglary.

According to the government’s case, on Saturday evening the police received a call for assistance as the caller said their home was broken into, and upon their arrival found out he had broken into two homes.

Court filings say the defendant was apprehended at the first house, and when he was arrested the police detected a strong odor of alcohol coming from the suspect’s breath.

It’s alleged the defendant admitted that he had broken into both homes. The plea agreement was accepted and Associate Justice Lyle L Richmond scheduled sentencing for Falana’i for October 31, 2014.

BAIL FOR LESALINA VUI REDUCED FROM $20,000 to $5,000

Chief Justice Michael Kruse has granted a motion filed by Assistant Public Defender, Karen Shelley to reduce bail for Lesalina Vui, also know as Linda Talimatasi, from $20,000 to $5,000. Vui is charged with three felony counts: first-degree burglary, second-degree assault, and unlawful use of a weapon.

Shelley pointed out to the court that her client has a baby at home and also that Vui is pregnant. She further told the court the complaining witness in this case is related to Vui and they have already sorted things out.

The government alleges the defendant entered the victim’s home, sat on her chest and cut her hair off with scissors and then “grabbed a knife and cut her head” causing lacerations, which required about eight stitches to close.

It’s further alleged that the defendant used a beer bottle to hit the victim in the face. The motion for bail reduction was granted.