Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A 29-year-old man who was released on his own recognizance 3 months ago under the condition that he remain law abiding and stay alcohol and drug free, is now facing felony drug charges after he was re-arrested last week for alleged possession of marijuana.

Mareko Fiu made his initial appearance in District Court last week.

Mr. Fiu, who was charged last month with public peace disturbance (PPD), a class B misdemeanor, is now charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, and unlawful possession of marijuana with the intent to distribute, both class D felonies, punishable by imprisonment of 5-10 years and a fine of $5,000-$20,000.

Bond is set at $10,000 and a preliminary examination is next Tuesday, Sept. 01 at 10a.m.

THE CASE

On the evening of Aug. 20th, detectives of the DPS Vice & Narcotics Unit received information regarding a truck that was pulled over by traffic cops on the east side of the island. Illegal drugs were allegedly discovered in the back seat of the vehicle.

During the course of the investigation, detectives learned that the driver, Fiu, was released 3 months ago following an arrest and PPD charge.

A search of the vehicle, conducted in Fiu’s presence, uncovered a small black bag in the back seat of the truck containing a medium sized baggie holding 3 rolled cigarette joints (green leafy substance) that appeared to be marijuana. Also inside was a wallet with Fiu’s driver's license and personal documents.

Police also discovered a separate medium sized plastic bag, containing cash and rolling papers. After the vehicle was searched, Fiu was taken into custody for further questioning.

In his statement to police, Fiu admitted that the vehicle, along with the illegal drugs discovered inside the black bag, all belong to him. He told investigators that he had just returned from delivering drugs to two other people, and he got the marijuana joints from another male, and he was selling each joint for $10.

Police noted the name of the person Fiu said he got the drugs from.

The green leafy substance that was found in the vehicle tested positive for marijuana.

WILLIAM FAAVAE

A 27-year-old man who was picked up pursuant to an arrest warrant on the allegation that he unlawfully entered a store in the Tafuna area and stole several items including electronics accessories; two speakers; a laptop and several power tools is now facing drug charges.

The government filed two separate cases against William Faavae when he made his initial appearance in court last week.

In the first case, Faavae is charged with stealing and second degree burglary, both class C felonies, punishable by imprisonment of up to 7 years, 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.

In the second case, he is charged with unlawful possession of marijuana, and unlawful possession of methamphetamine, both felonies.

Bond is set at $25,000.

Faavae’s defense attorney, Ryan Anderson asked to have bail reduced to $10,000 surety for both cases; but the prosecutor pointed out that Faavae is not new to the court system, and his actions in these two cases show the type of person he is. The prosecutor then asked that bail be maintained in both cases and the court agreed.

THE CASE

On Aug. 12th, an Asian businessman reported to police that his store in the Tafuna area was burglarized by an unknown person and a lot of personal belongings were stolen. He told police that the perpetrator was unable to enter the portion of the store where food and other items are stored.

A copy of the surveillance footage was provided to investigators, which shows a man entering the back portion of the store by damaging the wood door to gain entry.

A female employee was able to identify the person on the surveillance footage as William Faavae, also known as “WILL”, the defendant.

Mr. Faavae was picked up from his uncle’s home in Nu’uuli and taken in for questioning. He allegedly admitted to investigators that he broke into the store and took a number of things on the night of Aug. 12, 2020, while a lookout person stood outside of the store.

He went on to say that some of the items he stole were sold to his friend from Le Filifili in exchange for drugs, while others were sold to another man from Iliili for money to buy food and beer.

Before Faavae was interviewed, a body search was conducted and during the pat down, two clear ziplock baggies containing a white crystalline substance that later tested positive for meth, fell from the right side of Faavae’s shorts.

Police also found two hand rolled joints that later tested positive for marijuana, inside his pants pocket.

Faavae signed the arrest warrant for the burglary case; however, he refused to make a statement regarding the marijuana joints and the two baggies of meth. He told police he didn’t want to offer any more information regarding the incident.