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Leone shooting defendant ordered to leave territory

The co-defendant in the drive-by shooting at the Leone Substation, Taliu Tuliese was sentenced to depart the territory of American Samoa for a period of five years, in connection with a separate case from last year, in which he was found in possession of marijuana and live ammunition.

 

In the case for which he was sentenced last Friday, Taliu was initially facing charges of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, marijuana, possession of arms without a license and possession of a prohibited weapon. However defendant pled guilty to unlawful possession of controlled substance, marijuana and possession of a prohibited weapon. In return for defendant’s plea of guilt, the government moved to dismiss the remaining charge.   

 

During sentencing defendant apologized for his actions and expressed remorse for his wrongdoing. He also apologized to his family for sullying their family's good name. He admits that his time spent in jail has taught him a huge lesson and he wants to return home to care for his parents and help them out.

 

Public Defender Douglas Fiaui pointed out that on the occasions when he had spoken to the defendant, Taliu expressed his sincere remorse for breaking the law.

 

The PD further pointed out there was only one marijuana joint and ammunition found on him and these cases in the states are misdemeanors. Fiaui then asked the court to sentence the defendant to time served and place him on probation.

 

Assistant Attorney General Russell Smith argued that defendant should be sentenced to   20 months in jail, noting that ammunition was found, and the gun is not even allowed in the territory.

 

According to the government’s case, Taliu was pulled over in Avau by the police as he was observed speeding. During questioning by police, the defendant informed the detective that stopped him that he did not have a valid driver’s license nor any sort of identification. Backup was then called to impound the vehicle and to perform an inventory search of the vehicle at the police station in Fagatogo.

 

During inventory of the vehicle, three live rounds of ammunition were observed in plain view and when the defendant was asked about the ammunition he denied having any knowledge of it.

 

Court filings say that the discovery of the live ammunition in plain view within the impounded vehicle called for a search of the whole vehicle for possible weapons within the car, and led to the discovery of more ammunition, as well as a glass pipe, and four marijuana joints.

 

It is alleged the defendant later admitted the items belonged to him. 

 

Richmond sentenced the defendant to five years in jail, however execution of sentencing was suspended and he was placed on probation for a period of five years. Defendant was sentenced to time served and one of the conditions of his sentence is that he departs the territory, and remain outside of the territory for a period of five years. He’s also to remain a law abiding citizen.

 

In the meantime, Taliu is currently being held on a no status bail in connection with the drive-by shooting of the Leone Substation last November, where he’s facing charges of conspiring with co-defendant Manu Lefatia to commit two counts of assault, second degree and property damage.