CROSS EXAMINATION OF 1ST WITNESS IN PROSTITUTION CASE CONTINUES

The first witness, a woman known only as ILM, took the stand in the government’s case against Lusia Tusi aka 'Sheila', a co-defendant in the prostitution case which also implicates Fa’asaina Park, the owner of the Karaoke Bar in Satala in the jury trial that began on Monday. In the second day of cross examination, ILM admitted that she had two fishermen boyfriends, who gave her money after they had sex and she kept the money for herself. (See yesterday’s edition for initial part of ILM’s testimony)

Sheila and Park are before a jury of four men and three women, and each are charged with promoting prostitution second degree, a class C felony punishable with up to seven years in jail, a fine up to $5,000 or both, and two counts of third degree assault, which are both class A misdemeanors carrying a jail term of up to one year in jail and a fine of up to $1,000 for each count.

Prosecuting for the government is Assistant Attorney General, Jennifer Bargmann while representing Park is Fiti Sunia. Sheila is being represented by Assistant Public Defender Joel Shiver.

During yesterday’s cross examination, ILM told the court that she had two boyfriends, “Nelson” and “Sone” who were both fishermen, and who gave her money after they have sex with her.

ILM said that when Nelson’s boat leaves, that’s when Sone’s boat comes into town. Sunia pointed out to ILM that during their meeting when she was staying at the shelter, ILM admitted that all the money she was getting from her two boyfriends, she kept for herself, and also sent some to her family in Samoa.

The court also heard questioning by Sunia, who said that ILM had filed complaints to obtain money from Park through the Department of Public Safety and in Hawai’i.

She told the court that the idea to file her complaint in Hawai’i came from the Social Services. Upon questioning, ILM also said that she told MW (the second complaining witness) to join her by filing the complaints with DPS and in Hawai’i to get Park to pay for the hours they worked at the bar.

Shiver, who represents the co-defendant, Shiela, asked ILM if her job description at the bar was that she was to make the male customers buy beer for themselves, and for her if she wanted, and she replied yes.

Shiver further pointed out to ILM that Nelson was well known at the bar and that he’s a good guy to hook up with because he has money, and ILM agreed.

Shiver asked if she receive between $50- $60 per night after having sex with one of her boyfriends, and she said yes. ILM also admitted that when Nelson or Sone leave, “they leave between $300- $400 with her, as they will be away for several months and she sends that money to Samoa to her family.”

Shiver asked if anyone asked her to go with Nelson or Sone, after the bar closes and ILM responded yes. “Sheila told me to go with Nelson when he’s at the bar but when Sone comes to the bar its Park that tells me to go,” said ILM.

The jury trial continues today, with more witnesses called to the stand, including MW, the second complaining witness and the four police officers who investigated the case.

SO’OSEMEA TINAE ARRAIGNED IN HIGH COURT, DENIES THE SEX CHARGES

Former Village mayor for Fagatogo, So’osemea Tinae was arraigned in High Court yesterday morning where he entered a plea of not guilty to the criminal charges of rape and sexual assault which have been leveled against him.

The defendant during his initial appearance in the District Court on Monday had waived his rights to a preliminary examination hearing. The PX hearing is for District Court’s Associate Justice, John Ward to determine if the government has sufficient evidence to have this matter bound over to the High Court.

During his arraignment yesterday morning So’osemea denied the charges against him, through his attorney Matailupe Leupolu.

According to the government’s case, the defendant is accused of raping a 15-year-old girl near the Juvenile Detention Center. A retired police officer, So’osemea is 71 years old, and he allegedly told the girl that he was doing this because her family owes him a lot of money and then he ordered her out of the aiga bus.

Someone passing by the area, saw the defendant and the young girl and reported it the police,which is how the incident came to light.

(In our first story of this incident, Samoa News reported that So’osemea was the mayor of Fagatogo. However, according to documents given to Samoa News, he has been replaced, but it is unclear if this happened due to the allegations, or beforehand.)

TWO MEN ARRESTED FOR PPD IN OTTOVILLE

Two men made their initial appearance in the District Court Monday morning on charges of public peace disturbance and third degree assault. According to the government’s case Norman Skelton and Eddie Satele were reported to the police because they were walking around with a machete on the main road in Ottoville and swearing out loud.

It’s alleged that when police approached the intersection in the area, they saw the two men sitting at the bus stop and when they were getting close to them, Skelton and Satele took off running.

Police lost them at that time, however other police officers who were in the same area ran into Satele and Skelton, who was allegedly waving the machete at the cops in a threatening manner, say court filings. Police were able to arrest the defendants, however when they were apprehended the police could not locate the machete.