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Man who violated probation is sent back to the TCF

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ausage@samoanews.com

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

Vise Gauta appeared in court last Friday for a disposition hearing. He was represented by Assistant Public Defender Rob McNeill, while prosecuting was Assistant Attorney General Christy Dunn.

When given the chance to speak, Gauta 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.

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

Dunn, however, argued for probation revocation. She asked that Gauta 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

Gauta 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 January 2018 conviction for unlawful discharge of a firearm.

As a condition of his 2-year probation term, Guata served 4 months at the Territorial Correction Facility (TCF).

A few months after he was sentenced, Gauta 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 120 days at the TCF.