It was a very busy day yesterday at District Court with more than 60 cases, including 40 plus for those involved in incidents from Christmas Eve and over the long weekend.
A long line stretching from inside the court house, reaching the parking lot— was described by eyewitnesses that called Samoa News about the many cases, including several juvenile ones being heard in court. Families and friends went to give moral support for those cases that occurred over the holiday, and added to the crowd-like atmosphere.
All seats were taken in the courtroom, where the session was conducted, and the corridors were full with people standing. Cases were still being heard at 12noon.
About 16 cases yesterday dealt with juveniles and they were all held at the Juvenile Detention Center after being taken into custody. Some of these cases involved under age drinking, public peace disturbance (PPD) and two cases involved setting off cherry bombs.
Acting deputy police commissioner Leseiau Laumoli confirmed several arrests over the weekend were for underage drinkers, adding that he hopes those involved in getting beer or liquor to these youngsters are found and prosecuted.
“I hope these kids tell the truth to the court,” Laumoli said in a telephone interview, saying that when police ask how they receive the alcohol, the kids won’t say anything.
However, police continue to monitor and check on stores and bars to ensure they don’t sell to underage drinkers, he said.
Laumoli said there were a lot of arrests between Christmas Eve up to Sunday morning and most of them involved PPDs and there was also some minor injuries, but no major traffic accidents or problems.
He said there were very few driving while under the influence, or DUI, cases, which is an indication that the Department of Public Safety holiday enforcement program “is effective” with beefed up road patrols and road blocks at unannounced locations.
“The Christmas holiday was a safe one for American Samoa and we continue to ask for the public’s support as we continue on with our New Year’s enforcement program,” said Laumoli.
The New Year’s enforcement program began at 6:00 p.m. yesterday. Police patrols will again be beefed up as well as roadblocks held at unannounced locations.
Police are also keeping a close eye on the use of cherry bombs and firecrackers, which are illegal in the territory— but are still heard New Year’s Eve and New Year’s Day. The Samoan bamboo cannon, or fagaofe, is also heard throughout the holiday.
The New Year holiday is special for American Samoa, because it joins Samoa as the last two places on Earth to welcome the new year— in this case— 2010.
For the cases in court yesterday, there were several PPDs, and some assault cases. Information outlined in the court calendar also revealed that some defendants have prior records, including at least three cases with felony records.
