The first person in American Samoa convicted by the court for failure to comply with pandemic requirements set by the government has been sentenced to pay a fine.
Samoa News reported that Foemua Taveuveu, a bus driver, pleaded guilty to a class A misdemeanor for violating State of Emergency orders in place to prevent Covid-19.
Photo: 123rf
The defendant was accused of operating the bus outside of the 6am to 6pm hours of operation for businesses, and had more than 10 passengers on his bus when stopped by police.
Such a breach is punishable by imprisonment terms of up to one year, a fine of up to $US1000, or both.
District Court Judge, Elvis Patea accepted the plea agreement between the government and defense.
He sentenced Taveuveu to six months probation on the condition that he pay a $US500 fine.
However, the court deferred $450 and ordered Taveuveu to pay $50 within the next 30 days.
Since the Covid-19 restrictions kicked-off in March, five people have been arrested and charged for failure to comply with requirements set by the government.
Out of five arrested, one case was dismissed last week for lack of prosecution, and three cases are still pending in court.