In American Samoa, a corrections officer implicated in the beating of an l8 year-old inmate is to face criminal charges.
The Acting Commissioner of Public Safety, Leseiaua Laumoli, says an internal investigation by police found enough evidence that the officer Sianava Niusila assaulted the inmate.
He says police have forwarded the results of the inquiry to the Attorney General's Office with a recommendation to charge him with assault.
The officer has been placed on leave.
Leseiau says at this stage, the officer has not been terminated, but they will await the outcome of the criminal case.
The victim of the alleged beating had complained to his lawyer about the assault and the inmate was transferred to the police station in Ta'u, Manu'a, last month for safekeeping.
