15 Nov 2007

American Samoa high ranking officials are back in court next month

11:30 am on 15 November 2007

American Samoa's lieutenant governor Ipulasi Aitofele Sunia and Senator Tulifua Lam Yuen will next appear before the federal district court in Washington D.C. next month.

The two both pleaded not guilty in an earlier court appearance last month.

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.

Among conditions of their release are that they report weekly with the DC pre trial service agency by phone.

The two officials have posted 50,000 US dollar unsecured bonds.

Ipulasi returned to American Samoa last week but Senator Tulifua is still overseas.