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Tech thief gets time off for good behavior

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ausage@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A 33-year-old man convicted of stealing 2 laptops; a pair of digital speakers and a Samsung Galaxy S5 from a Tafuna store has been given another chance by the court.

Fofogaolevai Oloapu appeared in court last week for sentencing. He was initially charged with second degree robbery and stealing; and third property damage.

But under a plea agreement with the government, accepted by the court, Oloapu pled guilty to stealing, a class C felony, punishable by up to 7 years in jail, a $5,000 fine or pursuant to A.S.C.A 46.2101, a fine equal to twice the amount of gain from the commission of said crime, up to a maximum of $20,000, or both such fine and imprisonment for each count.

When given the chance to speak, Oloapu, who has been in custody since his arrest last year, apologized and begged for another chance so he can return home and care for his parents. He also apologized to the victim.

Defense attorney Rob McNeill asked the court to sentence his client to probation, without any additional period of detention. He said Oloapu is truly remorseful and has learned his lesson. Prosecutor Doug Lowe echoed the defense submission, saying the government believes Oloapu is remorseful.

Oloapu was sentenced to 7 years imprisonment. Execution of sentence is suspended and he is placed on probation for 7 years, subject to certain conditions. He is to serve 28 months at the TCF; however, he will only have to serve 15 months, the remaining 13 months will be stayed, based on good behavior.

According to court records, Oloapu will have served 15 months at the end of January 2020. When released, he is to remain law abiding and find a job.

BACKGROUND

Oloapu went to a store in Tafuna, walked around inside, and pretended he was shopping. He was given the Samsung Galaxy S5 to look at, by a female cashier. He then asked if he could look at the laptop and the pair of digital speakers. While Oloapu was looking at the items, the cashier was busy serving other customers.

A few moments later, the cashier turned around and found that Oloapu had left the store with the items he was looking at. Police were notified and a few days later, Oloapu was apprehended at a friend’s home in Vaitogi.