24 Oct 2007

American Samoan Lt Governor in US court on conspiracy charge

5:16 pm on 24 October 2007

American Samoa's lieutenant governor and a senator have appeared in the Washington D.C federal district court on charges of conspiracy, fraud and bribery.

Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia and Senator Tulifua Tini Lam Yuen both pleaded not guilty.

They are charged with one count of conspiracy, one count of fraud, one count of bribery concerning programmes receiving federal funds and one count each of obstruction of an agency proceeding.

Tulifua has an additional charge of bribery concerning programmes receiving federal funds.

Both defendants did not respond to questions about today's arraignment and prosecutors referred questions to the Department of Justice.

No trial date has been set yet.