A co-defendant in the 2014 Gold Conda robbery, who was given the nick name “Candyman,” was sentenced by the High Court this morning to 9 years in jail. But he can get out of jail now if he agrees to leave the terrtitory immediately
In sentencing Alatuna Simi, Chief Justice Michael Kruse said that the court has reviewed the evidence and concluded that the defendant was at the wrong place at the wrong time.
However, he said the crime Simi committed was serious.
The defendant has the option of serving four years in prison then be placed on probation for five years or leave the territory immediately.
Kruse reminded the attorneys after Alatuna was sentenced that they need to serve this court judgment on the Immigration Office for its look out list.
Simi turned state witness and was credited by the prosecution for the successful conviction of the alleged ring leader in the armed robbery, Samuel Wright.
The nickname candy man was because he jumped over the store counter and grabbed some candy before scrambling from the scene with his acoomplices.
The defendant has been detained at the DPS’ Fagatogo police station and was also sent to Manu’a after suffering a beating at the Territorial Correctional Facility.
Simi was represented by Assistant Public Defender, Mathoni McCormick and prosecuting the case was Assistant Attorney General, Tyler Ganzel.
Assisting Chief Justice Michael Kruse on the bench was Associate Judges Satele Lili’o and Su’apaia Pereira.
