Young man admits burglarizing home and selling all items to businessman

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A 29-year-old man accused of burglarizing a home and stealing several items has entered into a plea agreement with the government.

Anesi Uati, who has been in custody since his arrest last year, appeared in court last week for a Change of Plea hearing.

He was represented by Assistant Public Defender Rob McNeill, while prosecuting was Assistant Attorney General Laura Garvey.

Uati was initially charged with first-degree burglary and stealing, both felonies. However, under a plea agreement with the government, accepted by the court last week, Uati pled guilty to the amended charge of second-degree burglary, a class D felony, punishable by imprisonment of up to 5 years, a fine of up to $5,000 or both.

With his guilty plea, Uati admits that on Sept. 15, 2018 he unlawfully entered a Malaeimi home by damaging the backdoor glass to gain entry.

While inside the home, Uati said he stole clothes, shoes, two gold female watches, a laptop, and jewelry. He further admits that the items he stole cost over $1,000 and he sold everything to an Asian businessman.

Uati will be sentenced Sept. 26.