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Haven’t we heard this before? Man who assaulted his wife says he’s sorry

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ausage@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The 39-year-old man who was accused of assaulting his wife while he was extremely intoxicated told the court that he is sorry for his actions, and he will never beat his wife again.

The defendant was initially charged with 3rd degree assault, public peace disturbance, and endangering the welfare of a child - all misdemeanors. However, under a plea agreement with the government, the defendant pled guilty to 3rd degree assault, while the remaining charges were dismissed.

With his guilty plea, the defendant admits that last month, he assaulted his wife, who she was holding their 16-month-old daughter, by punching her in the face multiple times, pulling her hair, and kicking her in the back. The defendant further admits that his actions not only injured his wife but also put his daughter’s life at risk.

When given the chance to address the court, the defendant apologized for his actions and asked for a second chance so he can continue to care for his wife and four young children. He also apologized to his wife and children, and promised that this would never happen again.

District Court Judge Fiti Sunia accepted the defendant’s apology and placed him on probation for 24 months, under the condition that he not possess illegal drugs or alcohol, he has to submit to random testing, he must remain law abiding, and the must not harass or threaten his wife and children.

He was further ordered to attend and complete anger management counseling and pay a $125 fine.

ASALELE MALAKI

A taxi driver accused of unlawful possession of illegal drugs has pled guilty to the charge against him.

Asalele Malaki, 50, who was arrested the morning of Nov. 22, 2017 was initially charged with one count of unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a felony punishable by imprisonment of not less than five years nor more than ten years, and a fine of not less than $5,000 nor more than $20,000, or both.

However, under a plea agreement with the government, Malaki agreed to plead guilty to the amended charge of unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a class D felony, punishable by imprisonment of not more than 5 years and a fine of not more than $5,000, or both.

With his guilty plea, Malaki admits that on Nov. 22, 2017 while he was working as a taxi driver, he had on him a glass pipe containing meth. Malaki further admits that when police pulled over his vehicle on the day of the incident, they found a glass pipe containing meth in his possession.

Malaki, who is still in custody unable to post a surety bond of $5,000 is scheduled to appear in court on Jan. 28, 2019 for sentencing.