Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A young man convicted of stealing from his former employer has been sentenced to 20 months detention, as a condition of his 5-year probation term.

Execution of the jail term was suspended for Tipasa Filipo, who was formerly employed by Terry’s Mart in Tafuna. He will only have to serve 12 months behind bars, if he follows every probation condition set by the court.

The court took into consideration the fact that Filipo immediately took responsibility for his crime and this is the first time he has been charged and convicted of a felony.

Once he is released from the Territorial Correctional Facility (TCF), Filipo has 90 days to secure gainful employment, or he will be sent back to jail to serve out the remaining 8 months of his 20-month jail sentence.

Other conditions of probation prohibit Filipo from setting foot in Terry’s Mart in Tafuna, and remaining a law-abiding citizen.

The court had decided not to order Filipo to depart the territory after serving his jail term; however, Filipo has been informed that the court will enforce this issue if he fails to comply with conditions of probation.

Filipo was initially charged with stealing, burglary, and first-degree property damage, all felonies. But under a plea agreement with the government, accepted by the court, Filipo pled guilty to stealing, a class C felony, punishable by up to 7 years imprisonment, and a fine of up to $5,000 or both.

With his guilty plea, Filipo admits that on Nov. 12, 2020 while working at Terry’s Mart in Tafuna as a security guard, he unlawfully entered the warehouse located at the back of the store and stole several items, which he later sold to a taxi driver for $150. The stolen items included canned food, a case of beer, and two cartons of cigarettes.

When given the chance to address the court, Filipo apologized for his actions and asked for leniency. He promised the court that he will not commit any more crimes, but he will find a job so he can pay his fine.

Defense attorney asked the court to sentence his client to probation, and credit him for the 10 months he has already served in pretrial confinement.

Defense attorney said he spoke to his client, who assured him that he would never break the law again because he now understands that prison is not a good place for him.

According to the court, Filipo will have to serve two more months before he is released from custody.