American Samoa's Lieutenant Governor, Faoa Ipulasi Sunia, and Senator Tulifua Tini Lam Yuen have entered pleas of not guilty to the second superceding indictment brought by the US government last month.
They are to be tried in Washington for allegedly using their official positions to enrich themselves through the awarding of no bid contracts to companies they owned.
Faoa pleaded not guilty to one count of conspiracy to defraud the United States, two counts of converting for his own use the property of another and one count of obstruction of agency proceedings.
Senator Tulifua pleaded not guilty to three counts: conspiracy to defraud the United States, converting to his own use the property of another and obstruction of agency proceedings.
The contracts were for renovations and supply of furniture for the Department of Education and Department of Human and Social Services which were paid with federal funds.
The trial will begin with jury selection tomorrow.
