Ads by Google Ads by Google

Uncle charged with sodomy and sexual abuse of niece denies the allegations

American Samoa High Court building
ausage@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — An uncle accused of inappropriate touching of his 14-year-old niece is fighting the allegations against him, evident in his denial of the government’s offer and his wish to set the case for trial.

(Samoa News is withholding the name of the defendant to protect the identity of the victim).

He is charged with one count each of sodomy — a class B felony punishable by 5-15 years; deviate sexual assault, a class C felony, punishable by up to 7 years in jail, a $5,000 fine or both; and sexual abuse in the first degree, a class D felony, punishable by up to 5 years imprisonment, a $5,000 fine or both.

He is also charged with endangering the welfare of a child, a class A misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of $1,000 or both.

The matter was called for a pre-trial conference and Assistant Public Defender Rob McNeill informed the court that they have received discovery and an offer from the government; however, after discussions, his client refused to sign the offer. He then asked to set the case for trial.

The victim told police that after the day of the alleged incident back in July of last year, the defendant continued to touch her in the same sexual manner until earlier this year in March, according to the government.

The victim eventually reported the matter to her school counselor, who questioned her about a prolonged absence from school. The defendant, who has been in custody since his arrest, is held on $50,000 bail.