A third family member has been charged for illegally connecting to the American Samoa Power Authority grid.
According to the Samoa News Ernie Aetui was arrested last week and made his initial appearance in District Court on a charge of criminal fraud.
It turned out that there was an active arrest warrant for him in a stealing case from two years ago.
Along with his sister Michelle Aetui Fuimaono and Michelle’s husband Kirk Aab, Ernie Aetui is alleged to have illegally connected to the ASPA grid and using power for free.
Assistant Public Defender McNeil asked for a two week continuance to review documents that Michelle and Ernie’s mother had provided. The defense attorney quoted the mother saying that they are negotiating with ASPA for payments.
Prosecutor Assistant Attorney General Kristie Soule didn’t oppose the motion and Judge Elvis Patea rescheduled a hearing for all three on May 4th.
The stealing case against Ernie Aetui has been dismissed without prejudice.
Assistant AG Soule informed the court that the lead investigator was not available for the hearing as he’s under military orders for the COVID-19 emergency.
