Man accused of using a minor to sell weed for him asks for jury trial

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The man who is accused of giving 4 small stamp size baggies containing marijuana to a minor to sell for him at the beginning of last year has asked the High Court to set his case for jury trial.

Taamilo Motuga appeared in court last month for his pretrial conference.

When Motuga’s case was called, his attorney informed the court that they have received all the discovery from the government along with an offer for a plea agreement, however, after speaking with his client regarding the facts of the case, his client has maintained his not guilty plea.

“For these reasons, we’re asked the court to set this case for a jury trial,” defense attorney told the court.

Motuga is still in custody awaiting his jury trial next year unable to post a surety bond of $10,000.

BACKGROUND

A 17-year-old male individual caught smoking marijuana behind a store in Nu’uuli led to the arrest of Motuga after the minor told investigators Motuga gave him marijuana to sell in the village.

He’s being charged with one count of unlawful possession of a controlled substance, to wit; marijuana with the intent to distribute, a felony punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than five years and not more than ten years, or a fine of not less than $5,000 and not more than $20,000, and one count of endangering the welfare of a child, a class A misdemeanor, punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to one year, and a fine of up to $1,000, or both.

Detectives of the DPS Vice & Narcotics Unit received a call from a woman who was waiting for a bus in front of the store alleging that a minor was caught by another man smoking marijuana behind the store. Responding to the call, police officers met with the woman who notified officials, along with the minor who allegedly smoked marijuana behind the store.

When questioned by detectives, the minor told police that the marijuana he was smoking came from a guy named “Morgan”. Morgan was later identified as Taamilo Motuga, who is the defendant in this matter.

The minor further told police that Motuga gives him free marijuana in exchange for selling his marijuana for $5 a joint to the public. He also told police that he sells marijuana joints from another man by the name of “DOUGIE”.

Motuga admitted to police, prior to his arrest, that he received money from the minor for selling his marijuana joints to the public. Motuga further stated to police that he also gave the minor two marijuana joints to smoke as a reward for the job he had done for him.