Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The 23-year-old man accused of stealing from a home and a store in Atu’u last year has entered into a plea agreement with the government. Anetele’a Nu’ulopa appeared in court last week for a Change of Plea hearing.

Assistant Public Defender Rob McNeill represent the defendant, while prosecuting was Assistant Attorney General Laura Garvey.

The government initially charged Nu’ulopa in two separate cases. In the first case, he was charged with stealing and first-degree burglary, both felonies. In the second case, he was slapped with the same felony charges, in addition to third-degree assault.

Under a plea agreement with the government, accepted by the court, Nuulopa pled guilty to first-degree burglary and stealing. The remaining charges were dismissed.

Nuulopa admits that on the night of Nov. 21, 2017, he unlawfully entered the Atuu home of Kim Zing and stole two cellular phones, two pairs of sport shoes, clothes, and several jewelry items.

He further admits that an hour later, he damaged the back door of the store, entered the establishment, and stole a case of beer and several canned food items.

According to terms of the plea agreement, the homeowner went into Nuulopa’s home and discovered several clothes and a pair of shoes belonging to his son.

A juvenile who was with Nuulopa on the night of the incident told police that he and Nu’ulopa had broken into the home and store, and stole the owner’s belongings, which included jewelry, important documents, and cash.

Police searched for Nu’ulopa and found him at home, not far from the scene; and when questioned, Nu’ulopa admitted that he and the juvenile were responsible for the break-ins, and they stole items from both the home and store.

Nu’ulopa directed police to an abandoned small shack where the stolen belongings were stored. The government has confirmed that the belongings have been returned to the owner.

Nu’ulopa, who has been in custody unable to post a $15,000 surety bond, will be sentenced next month.

It’s unclear if the government will charge the juvenile, and if he is charged, his case is not open to the public.