Fa’asaina Park, owner of the Karaoke nightclub convicted in connection with a prostitution case, along with her employee Lusia Tusi aka Shiela, were sentenced to serve 20 months each in jail.

Both were found guilty in a jury trial of promoting prostitution, second degree, a class C felony punishable with up to seven years in jail, a fine up to $5,000, or both. They were also convicted on two counts of third degree assault, which are both class A misdemeanors carrying a jail term of up to one year and a fine of up to $1,000 for each count.

FA’ASAINA PARK

During sentencing, Park expressed her sincere apologies to the court, American Samoa Government, and the community. She also apologized to her family and especially her children. In tears, Park asked the court for leniency and to allow her to return home to care for her children, her mother and her whole family.

Park’s attorney, Fiti Sunia asked the court to consider the recommendations of the probation report that portray the defendant as living a fruitful life, engaging in businesses and making a living for herself and raising her family. He said Park is a contributing individual and she has no prior record.

He told the court that if she is sentenced to jail time, to please sentence her to jail for 90 days with the consideration that she has three separate businesses to run. He also asked the court for the defendant to be allowed to take part in work release.

LUSIA TUSI AKA SHEILA

Tusi also apologized for what happened and asked for forgiveness from her sister and children. The defendant asked the court to please allow her the opportunity to return home to care for her children and especially her sister, who is ill.

Assistant Public Defender, Joel Shiver pointed out to the court that Tusi has been a dedicated worker her whole life and that she’s a good candidate for probation. He said Tusi is deeply remorseful and a responsible person who’s supporting her family. Shiver asked the court to sentence Tusi to probation so she can continue to fulfill her responsibility to her family.

COURT SENTENCING

The prosecutor, Jessica Bargman asked the court to sentence the defendants to serve a significant amount of jail time, given the seriousness of the matter. “These defendants engaged in ongoing criminal conduct, where they encouraged and arranged for young women from other countries to sell their bodies for money.”

She said defense noted that Park is a businesswoman, however one of her businesses is a criminal activity. She also pointed out that while the defendants expressed remorse and they take full responsibility for their actions, they have not apologized to the victims in this case.

“In fact despite being found guilty of all counts by the jury they still maintain they did nothing wrong,” the prosecutor pointed out.

Kruse stated that the court has taken the probation route, however, there will be detention. They were each ordered to serve 20 months in jail and ordered to each pay a fine of $5,000.

The court said that after six months, it would entertain a motion for work release.