4 Jun 2019

American Samoa police officer jailed for corruption

3:57 pm on 4 June 2019

Former American Samoa police officer Faauma Malo has begun serving a 20 month prison sentence for corruption.

Afioga Galeai Moaaliitele Tuufuli Central Police Station.

Afioga Galeai Moaaliitele Tuufuli Central Police Station. Photo: RNZ Pacific / Monica Miller

Malo in a plea deal admitted that between 1 April and 31 May, 2017, he asked for money from one Tony Poe in return for him not issuing a traffic citation.

The complainant never paid any money to the defendant who was a marine patrol officer at the time.

In the High Court Malo apologized for what he did and said he has learned his lesson and will use it for a new beginning.