The ringleader in the theft of food items from the LBJ Hospital cafeteria in American Samoa, Solomona Faamaoni, has been sentenced to 28 months in jail.
For just over a year, food intended for patients at the hospital was removed and sold to a nearby store in return for beer, cigarettes and cash.
The chief justice Michael Kruse sentenced Faamaoni to seven years in jail.
But suspended the sentence and imposed a seven year probation term on condition that he serve 28 months in jail.
The court will consider work release at the end of six months.
Faamaoni was also fined 5,000 US dollars.
