26 Feb 2010

US considering re-trial of American Samoa Lt Governor and Senator

9:05 am on 26 February 2010

The U.S. Justice Department is considering options in its case against American Samoa lieutenant governor Faoa A. Sunia and senator Tulifua Tini Lam Yuen.

A U.S. District Court Judge at the federal court in Washington D.C. declared a mistrial on Tuesday after the 12 member jury failed to reached a unanimous decision on the charges against the two American Samoan politicians.

An American Samoa attorney, who is familiar with federal court cases, says one of the options is to refile the same charges.

Faoa's lead defense attorney Steven Anthony says prosecutors are now expected back in court on March 23rd, at which time prosecutors will reveal whether they intend to retry the case.