The High Court has granted the government’s motion to dismiss the criminal case against attorney Richard deSaulles.
An order issued by Associate Justice Fiti Sunia dated June 23rd granted the motion to dismiss which the government filed on June 13.
The motion reads, “The basis for this dismissal is that upon further review of the evidence, plaintiff believes that it will not be able to meet its burden of proof beyond a reasonable doubt for conviction. Therefore, in the interest of justice, the plaintiff American Samoa Government moves to dismiss the Abi e captioned case without prejudice.”
Desaulles was charged in April of 2019 of stealing and embellement. He was accused of stealing $121,000 belonging to Hope Dialysis Center, funds which were supposed to be held in a trust fund. The government had alleged that he used the money to pay bills, his taxes, fund personal trips off island and help pay expenses for his lawfirm, RDA Law Firm.
The attorney was granted permission to travel off island to seek medical treatment in June of 2019 and only returned to the territory in early June to stand trial.
