Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A 30-year-old man convicted of stealing a computer, a box of jewelry, one gold ring, a camera and a cellphone from an Asian store in Tafuna has been given another chance by the court.

Allen Lesa appeared in court last week for sentencing. He was initially charged with second-degree robbery and stealing; both felonies, along with a third count of property damage, a class A misdemeanor.

But under a plea agreement with the government, accepted by the court, Lesa pled guilty to stealing, a class C felony, punishable by up to 7 years in jail, a $5,000 fine or pursuant to A.S.C.A 46.2101, a fine equal to twice the amount of gain from the commission of the crime, up to a maximum of $20,000, or both the fine and imprisonment for each count.

Lesa admits that he stole several items from an Asian store in Tafuna on the night of Aug. 20, 2019

When given the chance to speak, Lesa, who has been in custody since his arrest last year, apologized and begged for another chance so he can return home and care for his parents. He also apologized to the victim and promised that he would pay back the money for the items he stole from the store.

When asked about the items he stole, Lesa told the court that he sold all of the items to in exchange for drugs and alcohol for him and his friends.

His defense attorney asked the court to sentence his client to probation, without any additional period of detention. He said Lesa is truly remorseful and has learned his lesson. The prosecutor echoed the defense submission, saying the government believes Lesa is remorseful.

Lesa was sentenced to 7 years imprisonment. Execution of sentence was suspended and he was placed on probation for 7 years, subject to certain conditions. He is to serve 28 months at the TCF; however, he will only have to serve 17 months, the remaining 11 months will be stayed, based on good behavior.

According to court records, Lesa has already served 16 months at the TCF. Upon release from confinement, Lesa is ordered to remain law abiding and find a job to pay his restitutions of $839.

The court also advised Lesa that this is his second conviction and if he appears in court next time for any offense, the will be no more chances for him. It was made clear to Lesa that failure to comply with any conditions of his probation would be considered as a violation of his probation and he must remember that he has a 7 year imprisonment term hanging over his head.

BACKGROUND

In 2011, Lesa was sentenced to 5 years probation with the condition that he serve 20 months at the TCF, after being convicted of unlawful possession of marijuana. Lesa’s probation expired in 2016.