Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A young man caught with meth and pot was sentenced last week to 5 years probation. Matthew Onofia has been in custody since his arrest last year. He was initially charged in two separate cases: unlawful possession of methamphetamine in the first case and unlawful possession of marijuana in the second case.

Under a plea agreement, Onofia pled guilty to the amended charge of unlawful possession of meth, a class D felony, punishable by imprisonment of up to 5 years, a fine of up to $5,000 or both.

Onofia admits that on Nov. 3, 2018, he had 2 glass pipes containing meth.

During sentencing, Onofia apologized and said he’s truly remorseful. Defense attorney Rob McNeill asked the court to uphold Probation’s recommendation for a probated sentence, so Onofia can get his life together and find a job to support his parents and family. He will also attend and complete drug counseling.

McNeill said his client had never been in trouble with the law before, and the quantity of drugs found on him was small. He did point out that while his client was in custody, he tested positive for meth.

(Onofia was to be released after he entered into the plea agreement with the government in August of this year; however, he was remanded back to TCF that same day, after he tested positive for meth).

RECAP OF THE FACTS

Onofia was first charged with drug possession in November 2018 after police found a glass pipe containing meth on him. A few months later, according to the court, Onofia was charged in a second case after cops found a baggie containing marijuana in his possession.

After reviewing the facts, the court said it believes Onofia has a drug problem that needs to be addressed. But attorneys from both sides emphasized that there are no available treatment facilities on island.

Onofia was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment. The sentence is suspended and he is placed on probation for 5 years under several conditions, which include serving 20 months at the TCF without any release. After serving 12 months, the court ruled, Onofia will be released for 90 days so he can find a job. Gainful employment, said Chief Justice Michael Kruse, does not include family farming.

If Onofia can’t find a job within 90 days, he will report back to the TCF to serve the balance of detention. If he can land a job, the balance of detention will be stayed until further order of the court. Onofia must also pay a $1,000 fine, be law abiding, and remain alcohol and drug free.