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Man with two names gets 5 yrs probation for meth possession

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ausage@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A man who pled guilty to possession of meth has been sentenced to 5 years of probation.

Henry Tyrone Hudson, a.k.a. James Stuart, was initially charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance (methamphetamine), a felony that carries a punishment of 5-10 years in jail. However, under a plea agreement with the government, accepted by the court, Stuart pled guilty to the amended charge of unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a class D felony, punishable by up to 5 years in jail, a fine of up to $5,000 or both.

With his guilty plea, Stuart admits that on Nov. 6, 2018 he had a plastic baggie containing meth.

When given the chance to speak, Stuart apologized to the court and the ASG, and said he’s truly remorseful and wants a second chance so he can be with his family.

Attorneys from both sides asked for a probated sentence, saying Stuart is a suitable candidate.

According to the court, cops arrested Hudson at the Veterans Memorial Stadium for public peace disturbance, during a high school football game.

At the Tafuna Substation, a cop says another male sitting next to Stuart, was trying to get something from inside Stuart’s pockets. The male was later identified as Stuart’s son.

According to the officer, small pieces of broken glass were observed near Stuart’s feet, and under his foot was a small clear baggie containing a white substance.

Stuart’s son explained that when he arrived at the Tafuna Substation, he went in to ask his dad for a cigarette. He said he was grabbing cigarettes from inside his father’s pocket, when an officer walked in and saw what he was doing.

The son told police that his father has a heart problem and is on multiple medications. Furthermore, according to the son, Stuart recently arrived in the territory and has a habit of smoking meth when he is off island.

Stuart refused to provide any information to police. He however was disorderly and repeatedly accused police officers of being racist. Cops say Stuart reeked of alcohol and his speech was slurred.

Before delivering his decision, Chief Justice Michael Kruse asked the defense to clarify why Stuart is known by two different names.

Stuart explained that his real name is Henry Tyrone Hudson, but he’s also known as James Stuart. He did not elaborate.

Stuart was sentenced to 5 years imprisonment and a fine of $2,000

Execution of sentence is suspended, and he is placed on probation for 5 years, subject to several conditions.

He is to serve 20 months at the Territorial Correctional Facility (TCF); however, all but 5 months is stayed until further order of the court. While on probation, Stuart is to remain alcohol and drug free, be law abiding at all times, and submit to random testing.

Kruse warned Stuart that if he violates any condition of probation, the court will order him to serve the balance of detention, as well as his suspended imprisonment term.