The Governor’s Chief of Staff Fiu Johnny Saelua has received a probated sentence for third degree assault, a misdemeanor.
During Fiu’s sentencing hearing this morning before District Court Judge Fiti Sunia, his attorney Marcellus Uiagalelei stated that his client is truly remorseful and asked that the court consider his service to his family, church and government.
According to the defense attorney, other than a prior charge of public peace disturbance, his client has a clean record. Uiagalelei asked for the minimum sentence with no jail time.
Independent Prosecutor David Vargas stated that the defendant had given his full cooperation from the start and given the circumstances, the government would recommend 6 months probation.
Judge Sunia said the matter before the court has changed since the initial presentation but the offense remains the same.
He said there is no question about the defendant’s contribution to the territory but the court is focused on the offense.
With that he said the court finds it suitable to place Fiu on probation for six months with the following conditions.
He must check in with the probation officer once a month, serve ten days at the Territorial Correctional Facility which is deferred, and pay a fine of $300 of which $200 is deferred leaving just $100 which he has to pay in 30 days.
Sunia said this is no different from any other case “and this person will not be treated different.”
Fiu is to remain law-abiding and violation of his probation would result in his serving the ten-day prison term or other sentence imposed by the court.
The case against Fiu stems from allegations by a young woman who lived with his family, that he sexually abused and assaulted her.
The court dismissed the original charge of first degree sexual abuse against Fiu after Independent Prosecutor Vargas said they had no witnesses to call during a preliminary examination.
A subsequent plea agreement reduced the remaining charge of second degree sexual abuse to third degree assault.
