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J&K burglar who robbed warehouse twice in one night pleads out

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ausage@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A 33-year-old man accused of burglarizing a warehouse and a store in the Tafuna area — and stealing items — told the court that the allegations against him are true during a Change of Plea hearing last week.

Henry Poulima was originally charged with first-degree burglary and stealing, both class C felonies; however, under a plea agreement with the government, which was accepted by the court, Poulima pled guilty to the amended charge of second degree burglary.

With his guilty plea, Poulima admits that on Jan. 23, 2018, he entered a warehouse in Tafuna for the purpose of committing a crime. While inside, he stole several items, including a laptop, 2 cell phones, and a tool box containing tools worth $920

Poulima also admits that on the same night, he entered the warehouse a second time and stole more items including a power wash, vehicles parts valued at $328, and several electronics items worth more than $100.

According to terms of the plea agreement, Poulima and a taxi driver went to J&K warehouse around 2a.m. to steal items.

The taxi driver, who is Poulima's co-defendant, used to work for J&K as a security guard but was terminated following allegations that he stole a box containing vehicle parts.

Poulima entered the warehouse while the taxi driver waited in the taxi as a lookout, pretending he was waiting for a passenger.

Police were able to arrest of Poulima and his co-defendant, Finau Logomai, five months later, after a key witness came forward with information.

According to the witness, it was during a drinking session that Poulima told him about the break-in at J&K. Poulima allegedly told the witness that if he needed any vehicle parts or tools for construction work, to let him know immediately.

Police searched Poulima’s home and found several items that were stolen from the warehouse. As a condition of the signed agreement between the parties, the government is recommending probation of 5 years, with the condition that Poulima pay restitution of $2,421.45.

Sentencing is scheduled for May 30.