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Airport marijuana bust nets man probation and fine

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ausage@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The 43-year-old man accused of bringing inside his luggage a small quantity of marijuana has been placed on probation for 5 years, without any detention period.

Iosefo N. Sagote was initially charged with unlawful possession of a controlled substance (marijuana), a class D felony; and an attempt to import a controlled substance into the territory, a class A misdemeanor.

Under a plea agreement with the government this week, Sagote pled guilty to the amended charge of unlawful possession of a controlled substance (marijuana). The remaining charge was dismissed.

With his guilty plea, Sagote admits that earlier this year in January, he had in his possession a pipe, made out of foil, containing a small quantity of marijuana inside his luggage when he arrived at the Pago Pago International Airport.

Sagote appeared in High Court last Friday for sentencing. He was released on a $3,000 cash bond to await sentencing. He was represented by private attorney Marcellus T. Uiagalelei, while prosecuting the case was Assistant Attorney General Christy Dunn.

Sagote apologized to the court for his actions, and begged for another chance to return home to care for his family.

Defense attorney Uiagalelei asked the court for a probated sentence without any period of detention. He said Sagote is a first time offender who is truly remorseful.

He added that his client is a hard working man, who supports his family in every way, and his run-in with the law has taught him a good lesson.

Chief Justice Michael Kruse accepted the recommendation for probation without detention.

Sagote was sentenced to one year imprisonment and a fine of $5,000. Execution of the sentence is suspended, and he is placed on probation for 5 years subject to certain conditions. He has to pay a $2,000 fine, which will be deducted from his $3,000 bond. The remaining balance will be refunded to him. He also has to remain drug and alcohol free, and be a law abiding citizen.

“Mr. Sagote, it's up to you to decide whether you want to live in jail or live at home,” Kruse told the defendant.

BACKGROUND

Sagote was arrested when Customs agents working at the Tafuna airport found a foil pipe containing marijuana inside his luggage when he entered American Samoa. During the normal Customs check when passengers arrive at the terminal, a K-9 dog alerted to Sagote's bag.