Malaeimi burglar to be sentenced next month

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A 25-year-old man accused of breaking into a home last year will be sentenced next month, after pleading guilty under a plea agreement.

Johnny Aleki Jr was initially charged with one count of first degree felony burglary, and two misdemeanors: third degree assault and public peace disturbance.

But under a plea agreement with the government, accepted by the court, Aleki Jr pled guilty to the amended count of stealing, a class C felony, punishable by imprisonment of up to 7 years, a $5,000 fine or both.

With his guilty plea, Aleki Jr admits that on Apr. 21, 2018 he unlawfully entered a home in Malaeimi around 11:32p.m. by breaking the back door to gain entry.

While inside the house, he stole several items including a laptop, two speakers, clothes, two pairs of shoes, a man’s watch, and a phone. According to terms of the plea agreement, none of the stolen items were ever recovered.

Aleki Jr used the clothes and shoes but sold some of the items to a man who has since returned to Samoa. The government is recommending probation and restitution of $1,321.91

Aleki Jr, who is still in custody unable to post a $10,000 bond, will be sentenced Oct. 31st.