28 Jul 2008

American Samoa police officer pleads not guilty in weapon's case

1:56 pm on 28 July 2008

A former police officer in American Samoa has pleaded not guilty to charges including embezzlement and possession of an unlawful weapon.

A pre-trial conference for Papalii Marion Fitisemanu has now been set for August 20th.

The Chief Justice, Michael Kruse, has ordered the defence and prosecution to notify the court before that date if they are to enter into a plea agreement.

Papalii is accused of removing five guns that had been stored in the evidence room at the Department of Public Safety.

Four of the guns were retrieved from the Samoa police and the fifth was found at his home.