Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — In the High Court on Tuesday last week, a six-member jury unanimously found Tagatanu'u Aki a.k.a. Nu'u guilty beyond a reasonable doubt on five counts, which includes two counts of Rape of a young girl under the age of 16 on two separate occasions in the family home, one count of Sexual Abuse in the First Degree of a minor child under the age of 16, and one count of Endangering the Welfare of a Child.

The defendant raped and assaulted the victim during Thanksgiving week of November 2022 by luring her into a bedroom in the family home where he carried out the crime, according to a press release from the Attorney General's Office where they are seeking the maximum sentence of up to 35 years in prison and a fine of up to $5,000 for the defendant's convictions of Rape and Sexual Abuse.

The AG’s Office credited the success of the defendant's conviction to the bravery and steadfast testimony of the young female victim in this case who courageously gave her testimony before the jury.

Police investigators and the DHSS Child Protective Service were also recognized by the AG's Office for the special care and supportive role in protecting the minor child in this case.

Special recognition was also given to members of the jury who deliberated on the case for their dedicated service to the community, the AG's Office acknowledged.

AG Fainu’ulelei Falefatu Ala’ilima-Utu commended his prosecuting team, Special Assistant AG Talaimalo Uiagalelei and Deputy AG Roy J.D. Hall, Jr. for successfully prosecuting and presenting the case to the jury, with the staunch support of victim advocates Farrah Sefo and Faith Vaifanua.

After a two-day trial, the jury deliberated for only two hours and returned with a verdict of guilty on all five counts.

The Attorney General said that it is unconscionable for any person to violate a child especially when that person lives in the family home and is a person that the child trusted.

The defendant was remanded into police custody awaiting his sentencing.

Attorney General Fainu’ulelei has issued a strong warning to any sexual predators and sexual offenders out there, that his Office will prosecute and hold them accountable for their crimes until justice is served.