Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Sheehan Sam Seigafo, a former customs officer, has been convicted of bribery, attempted bribery of a public servant, importation of contraband and undeclared merchandise, and tampering with evidence. He was sentenced this week to 10 years in prison.

This case arises from the discovery of 38 vacuum-sealed packages containing crystal methamphetamine, which were found in a box picked up by Ollie Schuster from the Post Office on July 26, 2024. The total weight of the methamphetamine amounted to 39.9 pounds. Evidence presented at trial indicated that Mr. Seigafo had attempted to bribe another customs officer with an amount of $3,000 to avoid inspection of the package.

The sentencing was conducted by Associate Justice Elvis Patea, alongside Associate Judges Faamausili Pomele and Paepae Iosefa Faiai.

Mr. Seigafo received a five-year prison sentence and a $5,000 fine for the bribery charge, in addition to a five-year prison sentence and a $5,000 fine for the importation of contraband. He was further sentenced to 15 days in jail and fined $300 for tampering with evidence. The terms of imprisonment are to be served consecutively, but he has been credited for the time already served.

Mr. Seigafo made a plea for leniency, stating that he wants to remain with his wife and children and take care for his parents.

His attorney, Neal Connors, contended that Mr. Seigafo had exercised poor judgment. He presented evidence of Mr. Seigafo’s character, describing him as a devoted father and a reliable husband, a characterization corroborated by numerous family members, friends, and church members in court.

Assistant Attorney General Sara Charpentier acknowledged the significant support Mr. Seigafo enjoys from his community; however, she emphasized that the government must also consider the numerous individuals adversely affected by drug-related incidents. 

She stated that the government cannot represent all those impacted: mothers, fathers, sisters, brothers, sons, and daughters impacted by drugs, and asserted that Mr. Seigafo's primary obligation as a customs officer was to prevent narcotics such as methamphetamine from entering the territory. Instead, he facilitated the importation of nearly 39 pounds of this substance.

In delivering the sentence, Acting Associate Justice Patea recognized the community support for Mr. Seigafo, as documented in the pre-sentence report. He affirmed that while Mr. Seigafo is indeed viewed as a commendable husband, dependable father, and dutiful son, the gravity of his actions cannot be overlooked. Justice Patea said the defendant’s crime involved facilitating the importation of extremely harmful substances, resulting in detrimental effects on families, children, parents, church members, and entire communities.

Justice Patea concluded by emphasizing the court's responsibility to weigh the positive aspects of Mr. Seigafo's character against the potential harm his actions may have inflicted on the community at large.