High Court Gives Probated Sentence in Drug Case

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LJ Solo, who pled no contest to possession of marijuana, escaped jail time when he was sentenced Friday in High Court.

Solo was placed on probation for five years, fined $2,000  and had his driver’s license suspended for six months.

He’s also banned from drinking or using drugs and will be subjected to random testing during his probation term.

Character witnesses for Solo included his mother and the deputy director of  KVZK- TV, where he works.

The prosecutor, Assistant Attorney General Bob Pickett said the government believes if the defendant stops hanging out with friends who are a bad influence on him, he would not re-offend.

Solo told the court that he would not touch alcohol and controlled substances again.

He also commented that what he did is not a reflection on his parents, a statement that the CJ noted was not factual.

Kruse told the defendant when he becomes a parent himself he will realize the meaning of the court’s sentiments.

The chief justice also pointed out the defendant was previously convicted of Driving Under the Influence (DUI) in District Court and here he was before the court again in the same situation.

In pronouncing sentence, Kruse,  assisted by Associate Judge Muasau Tofili sentenced Solo to five years in jail, suspended on five years probation, a fine of $2,000 and suspension of his driver’s license for six months.

Solo was represented by Marellus Tala Uiagalelei.

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