Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A 25-year-old man accused of breaking into a home in Utulei and stealing property from inside the house has entered into a plea agreement with the government.
Loma Talitiga, who has been in custody since his arrest, unable to post a $10,000 surety bond, appeared in court last week for a Change of Plea hearing.
Talitiga was initially charged with second degree burglary and stealing, both class C felonies, along with trespassing, a class A misdemeanor. However, under a plea agreement which was accepted by the court, Talitiga pled guilty to stealing. The remaining charge was dismissed.
With his guilty plea, Talitiga admits that on Dec. 10, 2017 he took several items from a home in Utulei without the owner’s permission.
According to terms of the plea agreement, an eyewitness who contacted the DPS Fagatogo Central Police Station told officers he saw the defendant enter the home by breaking the back door and entering with a big green backpack, which was full of stuff when he exited the home a few moments later.
According to the government, the missing items included clothes, jewelry, speakers, a laptop, 2 new cell phones, 3 pair of sport shoes, and $321 in cash.
None of the items were returned to the owner.
The government is recommending probation and restitution of $1,421
Talitiga is scheduled for sentencing on May 30th.
TAFITO LEVAULA
One of the four inmates charged for escaping from confinement in January 2018 has entered into a plea agreement with the government.
Tafito Levaula, 23, was charged in 3 separate cases.
He was charged with stealing in the first case, and several charges in a second case: 4 counts of stealing, 3 counts of first degree burglary, second degree burglary, escape from confinement, and alluding police officers.
In the third case, he was charged with escape from confinement.
Under a plea agreement with the government, Levaula pled guilty to stealing in the first case; and 2 counts of stealing and 1 count of first degree burglary in the second case.
In return, the remaining charges were dismissed.
With his guilty pleas, Levaula admits that on Oct. 7, 2017 while he was inside a store in Tafuna, he stole a Samsung Galaxy Note 7 tablet, worth more than $100
He also admits that on Oct. 30, 2017 he stole several electronic items including an Apple iPad, a computer scanner, and a Samsung tablet from another store in Tafuna.
Levaula confirms that on Nov. 7, 2017 he entered a home in Tafuna in the middle of the night — without permission — and stole several items including 2 television sets, a laptop, 2 speakers, a bag, 4 pairs of shoes, a big fine mat, and an Apple iPad, worth more than $5,000
Levaula is scheduled to appear in court May 31st for sentencing.
He remains in custody at the TCF, unable to post a $40,000 surety bond.
DISTRICT COURT
MAN CHARGED WITH 2ND DEGREE ASSAULT
A man charged with a single count of second degree assault — a felony — waived his right to a preliminary examination yesterday morning in District Court.
(To protect the identity of the victim, who is the defendant's wife, Samoa News is withholding the names of all parties involved).
Judge Pro Tem Gwen Tauiliili-Langkilde has bound the case over to High Court, where the man is expected to enter a 'not guilty' plea during arraignment tomorrow, April 5th.
Bail is set at $5,000
If bail is posted, conditions of release are standard, said Judge Tauiliili-Langkilde, and include no contact with the victim and witnesses in this case.
However, prosecutor Assistant Attorney General Laura Garvey informed the court that she spoke to the victim (the defendant's wife who was in the courtroom) and the woman had requested that contact with her husband be maintained.
Judge Tauiliili-Langkilde granted the request but reminded the defendant that he is to maintain the peace at home.
Samoa News understands that the couple has two children, ages 2 and 7.
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