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Another young thief given a big chance to straighten out his life

TCF Territorial Correctional Facility sign
ausage@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A man who was convicted of stealing was released from custody, after the court determined that the 12 months he served at the Territorial Correctional Facility (TCF), to await sentencing, was enough punishment.

Tomasi Faumui, under a plea agreement with the government, pled guilty to the amended charge of stealing, a class C felony, punishable by not more than 7 years imprisonment, and/or a fine of not more than $5,000.

During sentencing, Faumui apologized and asked for forgiveness. “I didn’t mean to break the law; unfortunately, I made a mistake and I can't take back what happened. This is coming from a man who is truly remorseful. I promise I will never do anything stupid like this again. Please, I want to go home to my family,” said Faumui.

Deputy Public Defender Ryan Anderson asked the court to give Faumui another chance, saying he’s only 22 years old and very immature.

Faumui was sentenced to 5 years probation under certain conditions. He must remain law abiding and serve 20 months at the TCF.

He was credited the 12 months he spent in pretrial confinement and the balance (8 months) is stayed as long as he complies with all conditions of probation. Faumui is ordered to pay a $500 fine within 6 months, and find a job.