Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A man who violated conditions of his 2-year probation sentence that was handed down last year has been ordered to serve out his suspended sentence, which is 20 months.

Alex Togiaso appeared in court last week for a disposition hearing. When given the chance to speak, he apologized and begged for another chance so he can return home and start anew. He told the court that he has an alcohol and anger problem, and he needs time to address those issues.

Defense attorney Rob McNeill asked the court to modify Togiaso’s probation, instead of revoking it. He said Togiaso is truly remorseful and he wants to go home to care for his family.

Prosecutor Laura Garvey argued for probation revocation, saying Togiaso should be ordered to serve out his suspended sentence (20 months) because he disobeyed the court’s order, and this is the only way for him to learn a lesson. The court agreed.

BACKGROUND

Togiaso appeared in court last month for a preliminary hearing on the allegation that he failed to comply with the probation condition requiring him to be law abiding. He was placed on probation last year, following a August 2019 conviction on unlawful discharge of a firearm and resisting arrest.

As a condition of his 2-year probation, Togiaso served 4 months at the TCF. A few months after he was sentenced, he assaulted a man and as a result, was convicted in District Court of third degree assault.  He also pled “no contest” to careless driving in another case. He was sentenced to 180 days at the TCF.