Man enters guilty plea after arrested for J&M Mart break-in

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A man accused of stealing merchandise and money from a store in the Tafuna area has admitted to one of the charges against him, under a plea agreement.

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

Under a plea agreement, accepted by the court last week, Segifili 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, Segifili admits that on Dec, 26, 2021 around 12:30 a.m, he forced his way into J&M Mart in Tafuna by breaking the side 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 Segifili pay restitution of $1,539.05 to his former employer.

Sentencing is scheduled for Jan. 18, 2023