Man wielding machette pleads to attempted burglary

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The 25-year-old man who was accused of breaking into a house has admitted to the allegations against him.

Alatasi Lalomauga, who has been in custody since he was arrested last year, was originally charged with 1st degree burglary and resisting arrest; however, under a plea agreement with the government, accepted by the High Court last week, Lalomauga pled guilty to the amended charge of 2nd degree attempted burglary.

With his guilty plea, Lalomauga admits that on Oct 5, 2019, with the intent to steal, he entered his neighbor's home with a machete in hand.

As a condition of the signed agreement between the parties, the government is recommending a probation term of 5 years.

Sentencing for Lalomauga is scheduled for Sept. 25, 2020.