Court Report
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A man accused of private peace disturbance (PPD) and damaging his brother-in-law’s house entered into a plea agreement with the government last week in Court.
Vinae Avei, who has been released on his own recognizance, was initially charged with PPD and second-degree property damage. But under a plea agreement with the government, accepted by the court, Avei pled guilty to the amended charge of third degree property damage.
Avei admits that on Feb. 18, 2021, he destroyed his brother-in-law’s property by breaking the windows of his house and also damaging the doors and walls. He also damaged the side door of his brother-in-law’s vehicle.
When asked why he did what he did, Avei said he was mad at his family.
When given the chance to address the court, Avei apologized for his action and begged for a second chance. He told the court that he had already apologized to his brother-in-law in the presence of his parents, wife and children and the matter has been reconciled.
The court sentenced Avei to 6 months imprisonment and a $500 fine. The execution of the sentence was suspended and Avei was placed on probation for 6 months subject to several conditions.
“If you violate any condition of your probation, the court will revoke it and you will be ordered to serve the suspended imprisonment term of 6 months. So, change your ways and comply with all the court's orders,” the court advised Avei.
SIO FAASEGA
A man from Vaitogi accused of violating local drug laws and assault entered into a plea agreement with the government last week.
Sio Faasega, who is on probation, was initially charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, an unclassified felony, punishable by term of imprisonment of not less than 5 nor more than ten years, a fine of up to $20,000, or both; resisting arrest and second degree assault, both class D felonies; and 3 misdemeanors: two counts of third degree assault, and public peace disturbance.
Under a plea agreement with the government, Faasega pled guilty to the amended charge of unlawful possession of marijuana and 2nd degree assault, both class D felonies, each would be punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment, a fine of up to $5,000 or both.
Faasega admits that on Apr. 29th, 2020 in Nuuuli he assaulted a man by punching him in the face and striking his head with a metal pipe. According to terms of the plea agreement, on the day of the incident, police responded to a call from someone in the Tafuna area, regarding a disturbance.
When cops arrived, an unknown male who was later identified as Faasega was standing on the other side of the road holding a metal pipe in his right hand. Another man, later identified as the victim was sitting on the ground while two female individuals were assisting him with his injuries.
Before Faasega was transported to the Tafuna Police Substation for questioning, he was patted down for weapons. During a body search, cops discovered one small stamp-sized baggie containing green leafy substance, which later tested positive for THC, the active ingredient in marijuana.
Sentencing is set for next month.