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Bail remains at $100K for cabinet member facing multiple charges

Jonathan Fanene speaking at a cabinet meeting in 2015
blue@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A request from defense attorney Marcellus Talaimalo Uiagalelei to reduce bail for his client, Jonathan Fanene, was denied by District Court Judge Elvis P. Patea.

Fanene, the director of the Department of Youth and Women's Affairs (DYWA), made his initial appearance in District Court yesterday, per an arrest warrant.

Bail is maintained at $100,000 (cash, surety, or a combination of both) and a preliminary examination election is scheduled for tomorrow, June 5th.

Fanene has entered 'not guilty' pleas to the charges against him — 9 total — including 6 felonies (two counts each of a class B felony, class C felony, and class D felony), and 3 misdemeanors.

In arguing for a reduction in bail, Uiagalelei said there is no good reason why bail should be set so high, when his client has been a long time resident of the territory, and he has been a productive member of the community.

Speaking to Samoa News late yesterday afternoon, Uiagalelei said Fanene is an upstanding guy with a solid background. He has no criminal record, and the incident is an isolated one — a domestic dispute.

Assistant Attorney General Christy Dunn noted the seriousness of the charges against Fanene, and said that at least one child witnessed it.

She argued that bail be maintained at $100,000 and Judge Patea agreed, saying that 'in the interest of justice,' and to 'allay any fears', the court 'needs assurance'. He referred to the criminal complaint and said Fanene is facing 2 counts each of class B, C, and D felonies, including a trio of misdemeanor charges.

He said if Fanene is released on bond, he is to make all his court appearances and make no direct or indirect contact with the victim(s) in this case. He is also to surrender his travel documents and remain law abiding.

Police are alleging that a domestic dispute between Fanene and his wife escalated, and they claim that firearms were found.