25 May 2004

Former American Samoa official pleads guilty to conspiracy charges

8:31 am on 25 May 2004

American Samoa's former Chief Procurement Officer, Faau Seumanutafa has pleaded guilty in the Hawaii federal district court to one count of conspiracy to defraud the US Government.

The complaint against the former CPO refers to co-conspirators who were involved in a scheme to defraud the US government.

The schme involved invoicing for furniture and construction services that were never provided.

The complaint also mentions that some government officials were paid by the conspirators.

Seumanutafa is due to be sentenced in February 2005.

His attorney said that his release conditions are fairly extensive but he is allowed to travel back to American Samoa