Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A 25-year-old man from Tafuna who, along with a co-defendant broke into an Asian store in Tafuna and stole about $2,000 worth of goods — none of which was recovered — was ordered last month to pay restitution of $2,000 to the store, after he serves 28 months at the Territorial Correctional Facility (TCF).

Sekuini Amosa was originally charged with stealing and second-degree burglary, both class C felonies. But under a plea agreement with the government, he pled guilty to stealing. The remaining charge was dismissed.

Amosa admits that on Aug 13, 2019 he unlawfully entered an Asian store in Tafuna and, along with his co-defendant, stole items worth $2,000.

Amosa apologized for his actions and asked for forgiveness. “What I did was bring shame to my family and myself. What was written in the newspaper about my case makes me embarrassed and I want to change my life and do good things. I’m truly remorseful and I want to go back home and care for my parents,” he said.

According to Amosa, his father is unemployed and stays home because he’s disabled and can’t walk and he’s the only one in the family and the eldest of his parents’ six children whom his sick father depends on for everything in the family.

Defense attorney, Ryan Anderson told the court that his client made a terrible mistake. Not only did he break the law, but he also set a bad example for the juveniles he allowed to be involved in the burglary.

“I hope that the period Amosa spent in prison will wake him up and change his path, because if he continues to live like this, he will spend the rest of his life behind bars, or end up in a different place, including the hospital. He’s really young and he has a bright future ahead of him,” Anderson said.

He asked for a probated sentence so his client can get a job to care for his parents, and pay his fine and restitution.

The government’s attorney also asked for a probated sentence, including a period of detention. He said that despite the fact that the defendant has no prior criminal record, what he did was serious and he has to face the consequences of his actions.

Amosa was sentenced to 7 years in jail. Execution of sentence was suspended and he was placed on probation for 7 years with conditions. He has to serve 28 months without release, and pay $2,000 restitution to the store. After serving one year in jail, the defendant is eligible for work release, provided he finds a job to pay restitution.

He is not to make any contact with his co-defendant, and he is to stay away from the store he burglarized. He is also to remain alcohol and drug free.