Defendant in Tafuna store break-in pleads guilty to stealing

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A man accused of stealing merchandise and money from his former employer has admitted to one of the charges against him, under a plea agreement.

Simeatu Tamafili, who was released on a $10,000 surety bond, appeared in court last week for a Change of Plea hearing.

He was initially charged with stealing and first degree burglary, both class C felonies; along with trespass and third degree property damage, both class A misdemeanors.

However, under a plea agreement accepted by the court last week, Tamafili pled guilty to one count of stealing, a class C felony, punishable by imprisonment of up to 7 years, a fine of up to $5,000 or both.

With his guilty plea, Tamafili admits that on May 22, 2018 around 2:30 a.m, he forced his way into J&L Mart in Tafuna by breaking the back window to gain entry into the store.

While inside, he stole merchandise valued at more than $100, along with a glass bottle which was hidden under the owner’s desk, containing $326.75 cash.

As a condition of the plea agreement, the government is asking for a probated sentence with the condition that Tamafili pay restitution of $1,539.05 to his former employer.

Sentencing is scheduled for Oct. 18, 2019.