Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A man with a 2-year-old bench warrant for failure to appear in court for a disposition hearing back in May 2018 was arrested by police during a traffic stop at Nu’uuli and is now in custody.

Alex Muliaga made his initial appearance in court last week, and his next court date is July 22nd.

His probation review stems from a case in 2015, when he was convicted for his involvement in burglarizing two homes in Pavaiai that resulted in the removal of a laptop and other essential items valued at an estimated $4,000.

When questioned by police, two juveniles identified Muliaga as being involved in the burglary. According to the minors, Muliaga served as the ‘lookout’, while they, along with two male adults, entered the two homes and removed the laptops and accessories.

On May 31, 2018, Muliaga was scheduled to appear in court for a Disposition Hearing; however, he failed to appear. That’s when a bench warrant was issued for his arrest.

Last week, Muliaga was apprehended during a traffic stop in Mesepa, when police officers pulled over a SUV for speeding. Two men were inside the vehicle, the driver and Muliaga.

Both Muliaga and the driver of the SUV were transported to the TPS for questioning after police discovered half of a rolled marijuana cigarette inside the vehicle.

Muliaga told police that the half marijuana joint belonged to the driver of the vehicle.

It’s not clear at this time whether the government is going to file charges against the driver of the SUV. Muliaga is now in custody without bail, awaiting his next court appearance.

BACKGROUND

On Oct. 23, 2015, Muliaga was sentenced to 7 years probation after he pled guilty to stealing. As a condition, Muliaga was ordered to serve 28 months and remain law abiding.

In 2018, Muliaga was convicted in District Court for stealing, a class A misdemeanor, a clear violation of the conditions set forth in his 2015 probation sentence handed down in High Court.