Man who burglarized a home in Utulei will be sentenced next month

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A 25-year-old man accused of breaking into a home in Utulei last year will be sentenced next month.

Richard Taala was initially charged with stealing and first-degree burglary, both felonies; and two misdemeanors: third degree property damage and third degree assault.

However, under a plea agreement with the government, accepted by the court, Taala pled guilty to stealing, a class C felony, punishably by imprisonment of up to 7 years, a fine of up to $5,000 or both.

The remaining charges were dismissed.

With his guilty plea, Taala admits that on Oct. 21, 2017 he broke into a home in Utulei.

He said he saw a person in the home, heading towards him, and he punched that person, who was holding a laptop.

Taala took the laptop after the assault. He also took off with the victim’s wallet that contained $400, a cell phone, and other electronic items.

According to the government, the laptop is valued at $1,500, and the victim really needs it back.

The government is recommending a probated sentence and restitution.