An employee of the Fono who has been on a five year probation was arrested this week on allegations of failing to comply with probation conditions.
Perenise Taala, who is on the last year of his probation, made his initial appearance in High Court yesterday morning before Acting Associate Justice Elvis P. Patea.
According to Samoa News, he was represented by Public Defender Michael White, and Assistant Attorney General Christy Dunn represented the government.
Court records say that on Oct. 29, 2018, a Probation officer administered a drug test on Taala, when he came for his monthly visit to the District Court.
Taala tested positive for methamphetamine and admitted to the Probation Officer that he used methamphetamine on Oct. 26 due to a family fa’alavelave.
He also admitted that he had violated conditions of his probation, which require him to not consume alcohol or any illegal drugs.
Taala, who is incarcerated on a $5,000 cash bond is scheduled to appear in court on Nov. 29, 2018 for his preliminary examination.
