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Man accused of assault remains in jail

Territorial Correctional Facility, TCF
ausage@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A 39-year-old man from Iliili who is accused of using a piece of wood to assault another man has been arrested and charged with second degree assault, a felony; and two misdemeanor charges: property damage and unlawful use of a weapon.

Alatini Etuale made his initial appearance in District Court this week where he waived his right to a preliminary examination. His next court appearance is set for next Monday at 9 a.m. in High Court where he is expected to enter a not guilty plea.

According to the government, Etuale and the victim got into a disagreement and the victim allegedly attempted to assault Etuale.

But it was Etuale who ended up assaulting the victim with a piece of wood that he used to hit the victim in the head multiple times.

Etuale’s attorney, Assistant Public Defender, Ryan Anderson, asked the court for a reduction of bail from $5,000 to $1,000.

Anderson told the court his client is a hardworking man and he’s the only member of his family who works to provide for his wife and two children. He said his client is not a flight risk, and he has no intention of leaving his family.

Prosecutor Laura Garvey opposed the defense's motion, saying bail set by the court is the appropriate amount for the offense the defendant is accused of.

District Court Judge Fiti Sunia denied the defense’s motion and bail remains at $5,000; and because he is unable to post bond, Etuale remains in custody at the TCF.