Court Briefs w_ header

by Ausage Fausia

Samoa News Reporter

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — One of the co-defendants in the Ottoville drug case has entered a guilty plea to the charges against him.

42-year-old Alatasi Wilson, who was a taxi driver when police arrested him in the early morning of Nov. 19, 2018 was initially charged with one count of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, methamphetamine with intent to distribute; and one count of unlawful possession of methamphetamine; both felonies punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than five years nor more than ten years and a fine of not less than $5,000 nor more than $20,000, or both.

However, under a plea agreement with the government, Wilson agreed to plead guilty to an amended count of unlawful possession of methamphetamine, a class D felony, punishable by a term of imprisonment of not more than 5 years and a fine of nor more than $5,000, or both.

With his guilty plea, Wilson admits that on Nov. 19, 2018 while he was working as a taxi driver, he unlawful possessed 3 glass pipes containing methamphetamine. Wilson further admits that when police pulled over his vehicle on the day of the incident, they found a glass pipe containing methamphetamine in his possession.

Wilson, who is still in custody unable to post a surety bond of $15,000, is scheduled to appear in court on Apr. 30th for sentencing.

His co-defendant, Malaki Willie who is also in custody unable to post his surety bond of $35,000 is scheduled to appear in court next month for his pretrial conference.

MAN WHO ASSAULTED HIS WIFE IS PLACED ON PROBATION

The 38-year-old man who is accused of assaulting his wife while he was extremely intoxicated was placed on probation for 24 months by the Court, after he admitted to the allegation and told the court that he’s sorry for his actions.

The defendant was initially charged with 3rd degree assault, public peace disturbance and endangering the welfare of a child, all misdemeanors. However under a plea agreement with the government, the defendant pled guilty to 3rd degree assault, while the remaining charges were dismissed by the court.

Upon his guilty plea, the defendant admits that on the night of the incident last month, he assaulted his wife, who was holding his 19-month old daughter, by punching her in the face multiple times, pulling her hair and kicking her in the back. The defendant further admitted that his actions not only injured his wife but also put his daughter’s life at risk.

When given the chance to address the court, the defendant apologized to the court for his actions and asked for a second chance to continue to care for his wife and four young children. He also apologized to his wife and children for his actions, and promised that this would not happen again.

District Court Judge Elvis P. Patea accepted the defendant’s apology and then placed him on probation for 24 months under certain conditions.

The defendant was ordered not to possess illegal drugs or alcohol, and he has to submit to random testing to make sure he’s complying with the order of the court. He also must refrain from harassing or threatening his wife and children and remain law abiding.

He was further ordered to attend and complete an anger-counseling program and pay a $120 fine.