Defendant in “Afuelo” Theft Charged in New Case

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A woman accused of stealing, embezzlement and receiving stolen property, namely a special fine mat used in funerals known as “afuelo” was in District Court this morning on new charges.

Saulelia Amituana’i was out after posting bail of $1,000 and according to her lawyer, Assistant Public Defender Kate Hannaher, she was picked up yesterday on a new charge.

For the new case, the court has a $10,000 bond for the defendant.

Amituana’i’s attorney asked Judge Fiti Sunia if the $1,000 bail bond already posted for Amituana’i’s pending case may be used to cover the new matter.

Hannaher pointed out that her client is a mother of five who is also taking care of a nephew.

She also told the court that her client’s husband is in the Territorical Correctional Faiclity,

Judge Sunia rejected Hannaher’s request but did reduce bail to $5,000.

The judge explained that this is a totally different matter, a separate felony with a separate charge and different circumstances.

Until she can post bail, the defendant has been remanded back to TCF and her pre trial conference has been scheduled for next week.

Prosecuting the case is Assistant Attorney General, Jillian B Sadler.

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