Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — An attorney accused of stealing $121,000 which was supposed to be held in a trust fund — for the Hope Dialysis Center — appeared in court last week for a hearing on his motion to travel.

Associate Justice Fiti Sunia granted, with conditions, Richard deSaulles’ request to travel off island for medical purposes.

Among them is that he post a cash bond of $20,000; submit sworn affidavits to the court from individuals who put up his bond; and proof of definite medical appointments from medical specialists (not primary care physicians) who’ll be seeing him.

deSaulles, who is out on a $20,000 surety bond, is represented by private attorney Marcellus Talaimalo Uiagalelei, while prosecuting is Assistant Attorney General Doug Lowe.

Uiagalelei told the court that deSaulles intends to travel to the mainland for medical treatment, departing July 2nd and returning Sept. 30th.

He then provided to the court and the prosecution, copies of medical appointments for deSaulles in San Diego, CA.

Prosecutor Lowe opposed the request, saying the appointments are with primary care physicians. He suggested that local doctors conduct a medical evaluation of deSaulles, to verify that his condition is life threatening and necessitates travel.

Associate Justice Sunia said the main issue before the court is whether deSaulles is a flight risk.

Lowe said yes. According to him, deSaulles ran away from the California Bar Association in the past, his family left the island in April, and his private law practice has closed, so there is nothing much to make him return when he leaves.

“This is his only case and he has no ties to this island anymore,” Lowe argued.

A status hearing is scheduled for July 10th.