A couple appeared in the District Court on Monday to face charges of criminal fraud as a result of illegally connecting to the ASPA power grid and using electricity without charge.
Samoa News reports Michelle Aetui-Fuimaono and her husband Kirk Aab appeared before Judge Elvis P. Patea but Police are still looking for the third suspect in this case.
Aetui-Fuimaono and Aab face possible imprisonment of up to seven years, a fine of up to $5,000, or both if found guilty.
The court was told that the matter came to light during routine maintenance work by ASPA linemen at Futiga.
One of the workers noticed what looked like a suspicious connection onto ASPA main line.
Further investigation by the men discovered the illegal connection leading to the Aetui-Fuimaono home indicating the family was taking electricity illegally.
The workers disconnected the illegal connection but not without incident.
They reported to police that Aetui-Fuimaono and her husband came out and started using insulting words and telling them to get off the land.
A third person, Ernie Aetui, the brother of Aetui-Fuimaono was also involved in the incident and was seen by the workers holding what looked like a shotgun.
Police were called but on arrival found only the couple but not the brother.
The couple were then arrested and charged but Police said Ernie Aetui is still at large.
A check of ASPA records indicated the last time the family paid for electricity was in May 2018 and ASPA said the family owe more than $6,500 in arrears.
Bail for the couple has been set at $5,000 each and their preliminary hearing has been set for next week.
