DAVID FO’A

New charges the government filed in District Court against David Fo’a include fourteen felonies and the charges stems from the defendant breaking into at least nine different stores on the Western District.

Fo’a was in High Court for the continuation of his change of plea hearing, with a plea agreement already signed by both sides. However, the court rejected the plea, prompting the government to file new charges, although the defendant has been in custody for more than six months for pre-trial confinement.

The new charges against Fo’a were bound over to the High Court early this week and the defendant entered a not guilty plea with pre trial conference hearing scheduled for July while trial is set for November 2018.

According to court information, the defendant is facing nine counts of first degree burglary, five counts of stealing — all felonies — and two counts of third degree property damage, both misdemeanors.

Court information states that in one of the stores broken into by the defendant, he stole $100 worth of merchandise as well as $800 in cash that was in a bottle under the store’s counter.

Much of the goods and merchandise the defendant allegedly stole from the stores he broke in to has been returned to the police. For the cash he allegedly stole, the defendant told police that he already spent the money.

JOSEPH YANDALL

An 87-year old man, accused in connecting with a case involving two minor females, was arraigned in High Court on Wednesday after his case was bound over on Monday from District Court.

According to court information, Joseph Yandall is charged with one count of child molestation, attempted kidnapping and attempted sexual abuse in the first degree — all felonies. Yandall is released on a $75,000 bail.

During the arraignment hearing in High Court, the defendant, through his attorney, entered a not guilty plea. His pre trial conference hearing is set for next month, at which time the court will know from both sides as to the status of the case moving forward.

Court information states that the alleged female victims in the case are a 12-year-old — resulting in the child molestation charge — and a 16-year-old.

SAUFO’I TUSIGA

During a status hearing early this week, District Court Judge Fiti A. Sunia ordered a psychological assessment of defendant Saufo’i Tusiga, to see if he is fit to stand trial.

The court’s order followed a motion by the government, which has charged the defendant with first-degree sexual assault and first-degree burglary — both felonies.

Saufo’i’s father was in court during the hearing and Sunia told the father that his son needs to be assessed as to the mental state of his mind.

Since his arrest recently, the defendant has been in custody at the hospital where he’s being treated and getting medication. Saufo’i’s next court appearance is May 25th.

The charges against the defendant stem from an incident early last month in which he allegedly broke into the home of a female victim and allegedly touched the victim’s private parts.