Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A young man accused of private peace disturbance (PPD) and damaging his uncle’s house entered into a plea agreement with the government last week in District Court.

Ioane Talitiga, who has been released on his own recognizance, was initially charged with PPD and second degree property damage. But under a plea agreement with the government, accepted by the court, Talitiga pled guilty to the amended charge of third degree property damage.

Talitiga admits that on Oct. 18, 2019, he destroyed his uncle’s property by breaking the windows of his house and also damaging the doors and walls.

When asked why he did what he did, Talitiga said he was mad at his family.

Judge Elvis P. Patea sentenced Talitiga to 6 months imprisonment and a $500 fine. The execution of sentence is suspended and Talitiga is placed on probation for 6 months subject to several conditions.

“If you violate any condition of your probation, the court will revoke it and you will be ordered to serve the suspended imprisonment term of 6 months. So, change your ways and comply with all the court's orders,” Patea advised Talitiga.

According to the government’s case, it was the uncle who contacted police for assistance, after his nephew walked over to his house with a crowbar and struck the front door down. Talitiga entered the house and broke windows before he damaged the walls.