Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A father accused of physically abusing his 12-year old special needs daughter was released from jail yesterday after being sentenced to 15 days in jail — however, he had spent over 100 days in jail awaiting his matter in the court.

To protect the identity of the victim Samoa News has opted not to publish the name of the defendant.

Sentencing in this case was handed down by Acting Associate Justice, Elvia Patea. The defendant, who has been in jail over 100 days, apologized for his actions citing that his time in jail has taught him a huge lesson.

“My family needs me at home and also I need to renew my immigration ID that expired when I was incarcerated,” said the father.

According to the government’s case, the incident was reported to the police last year in October. The defendant’s wife told the police that her husband assaulted their daughter using an extension cord.

According to the woman the victim had been taking money from her father’s wallet and that her daughter’s friends said she has been going to school with $20 or $10 but when her husband (defendant) asked the victim about the taking money from the wallet she denied it.

The woman said her husband beat the victim to teach her a lesson.

The defendant told police he was upset and used an extension cord to hit the victim.

He was charged with one count of abuse of a child involving domestic violence and 2rd-degree assault, however he pleaded guilty to endangering the welfare of a child, a misdemeanor and private peace disturbance. The second count of assault was dismissed as part of the plea agreement.

The defendant was sentenced to 15 days in jail, and was credited for time served. He was ordered to remain a law abiding citizen, visit the probation office once a month or often as ordered by the probation.

He was also ordered to undergo parenting counseling with the social services.