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Court Report

MANU’A MAN RELEASED FROM JAIL IN DRUG CASE

 

A man who was found with drugs in his possession when he came to Tutuila island from Manu’a, Joshua Filioali’i was sentenced yesterday to probation of five years, and released from jail. Filioali’i had pled guilty to unlawful possession of a controlled substance, marijuana, and Associate Justice Lyle L Richmond accepted the plea agreement.

 

During sentencing yesterday the defendant apologized for his actions and asked the court to allow him the opportunity to further his education and serve his family. The court heard that defendant was on his way back from Manu’a to attend the American Samoa Community College when he was caught with the marijuana.

 

According to the government’s case, on Jan. 4, 2015 the police received information that there was marijuana found on the MV Sili. It’s alleged that the discovery was made by the MV Sili captain when they were trying to locate a speaker that was stolen on the way to Tutuila from Manu’a. Police Officers with the Patrol Division responded to the call and Filioali’i was then transported to the police station, along with his belongings.

 

Court filings say that defendant was warned of his constitutional rights, which he waived, and was willing to make a statement to the police regarding the marijuana that was found in his possession. Filioali’i told police the marijuana that was found in his baggage is what he had stolen from a man in Manu’a.

 

During a police inventory search of the bag, police found a half burnt hand rolled marijuana joint and also uncovered a fist size green leafy substance wrapped in foil.

 

Richmond sentenced the defendant to five years in jail, however execution of sentencing was stayed, and he was placed on probation for a period of five years under the condition that he serve 20 months in jail.

 

The defendant was credited for the three months he’s served and the remaining jail time was stayed. A fine of $2,000 was ordered to be paid within 18 months and he’s subject to random testing for drugs and alcohol. He was also told that he must successfully complete his college degree as part of his probation.

 

SOPI SENIO SR PLACED ON PROBATION AND FINED

 

Associate Justice Lyle L Richmond sentenced Sopi Senio Sr to probation in the misdemeanor charges to which he pled guilty last month. Senio Sr, in the four-year old case, was initially charged with felony assault, public peace disturbance and property damage, however in a plea agreement with the government the defendant pleaded guilty to third degree assault which was amended from felony assault and property damage.

 

In return the government moved to dismiss the misdemeanor charge of public peace disturbance.

 

During sentencing, the defendant apologized for his actions to the victim in the case, the judges, the government and his family for his actions which led him before the court. He stated that there has been a mediation between him and the complaining witnesses in this matter.

 

Richmond sentenced Senior Sr to one year in jail, for each count, however the execution  of sentence was suspended on certain conditions. The defendant was also ordered to pay restitution of $800 and fine of $1,000 to be paid within six months. He was also ordered to remain a law abiding citizen and to apologize to the victim in this case in the presence of the probation officer. Further he was ordered not to contact the victim in this matter, directly or indirectly. According to the government’s case, the incident occurred on December 3, 2011 in Leone.

 

According to the government’s case, the defendant and the complaining witness, who is his neighbor, had a disagreement over land. The defendant ran over equipment that cost $800.

 

FEMALE SEX OFFENDER ASKS COURT TO REDUCE HER BAIL

 

Carmen Galumalemana Hunkin, 38, accused of having sex with a minor and facing charges of statutory rape, deviate sexual assault, sexual abuse first degree, sodomy and child endangerment has asked the court to reduce her bail from $20,000 to $10,000. The motion has since been under advisement and the court has yet to rule on the request.

 

According to the government’s case, witnesses has placed the defendant and the minor together, and one alleged the two were seen having intercourse. One of J.A.’s (minor) friends also told the police officers that J.A. had said he wanted to get Carmen pregnant.

 

According to court documents “Carmen stated she was in a sexual relationship with J.A. She stated she knew he was only 16 years of age and that her marriage was abusive and J.A. seemed to understand her problems.”

 

She went on to state that the relationship began in October 2013 and that she had tried to break up with J.A. but “then he would threaten suicide so she would make up with him.” She stated J.A. “also became abusive to her.”

 

In the court filing, Carmen states that they had sexual intercourse so many times she can’t remember the exact number of times, that she knew she could be charged with statutory rape because of their age difference, and that the last time she had sex with J.A. was July 20, 2014.