Man who pointed a gun at someone who refused to leave the land pleads guilty

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A man accused of pointing a gun at another man in a threatening manner has told the court that the allegations against him are true.

Sio Etuale-McMoore, who is out on a $5,000 surety bond, appeared in court last week for a Change of Plea hearing. Assistant Public Defender Ryan Anderson represented the defendant.

Etuale-McMoore is facing one felony charge of illegal use of a weapon, and four misdemeanor charges: public peace disturbance, third degree assault, possession of an unlicensed firearm, and use of a firearm.

But under a plea agreement with the government - accepted by the court - the defendant pled guilty to illegal use of a weapon, a class D felony, punishable by up to 5 years in jail, a fine of up to $5,000 or both. The remaining charges were dismissed.

With his guilty pled, Etuale-McMoore admits that on the afternoon of Aug. 20, 2017 in Fagatogo, he pointed a gun at Esau Afoa, after Afoa refused to comply with his instructions, to leave the land.

According to terms of the plea agreement, Etuale-McMoore was intoxicated when he pulled out a gun, after the victim asked him why he was there.

That's when the victim jumped inside his vehicle, backed his car out of the area, and called police.

Etuale-McMoore will be sentenced next month.