The person from American Samoa who was extradited to face criminal charges related to the importation of drugs is Loki Lotovale, who was a janitor for the Fagatogo Post Office.
He faces two counts of conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of possession with intent to distribute methamphetamine, one count of conspiracy to commit money laundering, four counts of money laundering and criminal forfeiture.
Lotovale made his initial appearance in the Honolulu Federal District Court on Monday and was then taken to California where he will be tried in the federal court of Eastern District of California.
He is being held without bail. Lotovale is charged with two other individuals, residents of California, Taumai Lolohea and Emalata Lolohea also known as Emalata Ahokava.
Court filings allege that between September 21, 2020 through to July 12, 2024, the defendants conspired and agreed with each other and with persons both known and unknown to the grand jury, to knowingly and intentionally distribute and possess with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of a mixture and substance containing a detectable amount of methamphetamine.
It’s also alleged that on or about February 6, 2024, in the the county of Sacramento, they did knowingly and intentionally possess with intent to distribute at least 500 grams of the same mixture containing methamphetamine.
On the money laundering charges, it’s alleged that beginning at an unknown date but no later than on or about September 21, 2020 continuing through on or about July 12, 2024 in the county of Sacramento, they knowingly conspired and agreed with each other and with persons both known and unknown to the grand jury to conduct financial transactions affecting interstate and foreign commerce.
These transactions involved the proceeds of specific unlawful activity, that is conspiracy to distribute controlled substances and distribution of controlled substances knowing that the transactions were designed in whole and in part to conceal and disguise the nature, location, source ownership and control of the proceeds of specific financial activity. And while conducting such financial transactions, knew that the property involved in the financial transactions represented the proceeds of some form of unlawful activity.
There is no information in the affidavit on Lotovale’s role in relation to the possession of methamphetamine and intent to distribute charges.
The affidavit does show that on four different occasions from February to November of 2023, Lotovale through Western Union wire transfers sent money to bank accounts at Wells Fargo Bank, Golden One Credit Union, F&M Bank and JP Morgan Chase Bank. The wire transfer on February 10 was $7,000 another on June 1st was $7,000, on August 7 he wire transferred $6,000 and on November 8 he wired $7,000.
A press release from the American Samoa Department of Homeland Security said that cash totaling $52,172 was seized, 2 pounds of cannabis was confiscated and 37 pounds of methamphetamine was intercepted, stopping the drugs from entering, being distributed or being used within the territory.
