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Pot smoker gets a second chance

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ausage@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A man who failed to comply with conditions of his 5-year probation has been given another chance. Probationer Felise Motu was arrested last month after he tested positive for Tetrahydrocannabinol (THC), an active compound in the locally illegal drug marijuana, during his monthly trip to probation.

Motu appeared in court last month for a preliminary hearing, where he admitted that he failed to comply with conditions of his probation, which required him to be drug and alcohol free. According to Probation, a random urinalysis on Motu administered last month at the District Court came back positive for THC.  Motu admitted to Probation that he smoked weed at his son’s birthday party the night before.

Motu appeared in court two weeks ago for a Disposition Hearing, where his attorney, Ryan Anderson asked the court not to revoke his client’s probation but instead, allow him to continue with his probation, pointing out that after his client was released from custody last year, he has complied with all conditions of probation.

According to Anderson, Motu was employed when he was arrested in March of this year. He paid his fine in full and was current with his monthly visitations to Probation. The defense attorney said his client screwed up when he smoked weed.

Motu apologized for his actions and asked for a chance to continue with his Probation. He assured the court that he would not violate any conditions of probation again.

In handing down its decision, the court told Motu his probation would not be revoked; however, if he fails to comply with any of the conditions henceforth, he will not get any more chances.