Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A man accused of unlawful possession of drugs last year pled guilty in High Court last week during a Change of Plea hearing.

Tavita Amperosa, a 39-year-old man, was initially charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance, to wit; methamphetamine, a felony punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less that five 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 which was also accepted by the court, Ameperosa agreed to change his plea to the amended charge of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, to wit; methamphetamine, a class D felony punishable by a term of imprisonment of not more that five and a fine of not more than $5,000, or both.

Upon his plea, Ameperosa admitted that on Oct. 10, 2017 in American Samoa, he unlawfully possessed a glass pipe containing methamphetamine. He further admitted that his actions on that day was without excuse of legal authorization.

According to the government’s case, Ameperosa’s name surfaced when police questioned two juveniles who were each found with a marijuana joint in their possession. Both juveniles were charged in the Juvenile Court.

When questioned by police, one of the two juveniles told police that a man by the name of “T” gave him two marijuana joints. He then shared the other marijuana joint with his friend.

After receiving the information from the juveniles, police officers then proceeded to Tafuna trying to locate Ameperosa. Ameperosa was found in front of a store in Tafuna with some friends. Police informed him about the nature of their investigation and asked if he could come with them to the police station.

When police searched the defendant’, they found a glass pipe containing methamphetamine.

He was remanded to custody unable to post a $5,000 surety bond, and is scheduled to appear in court on Aug. 13 for sentencing.