A Samoa independent MP, Laauli Leuatea Polataivao Schmidt have been found not guilty of more than one hundred criminal charges.
Laauli (middle) celebrates his not guilty verdict Photo: RNZ Pacific / Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia
Laauli was accused of forgery, theft, and the unlawful hiring of company trucks to the Samoa Vailima Brewery company.
Other defendants - his wife, a director, and an employee of the Local Partners and Associates nonu juice company - were also found not guilty.
But one of the company's directors, a high profile journalist and media practitioner, Apulu Lance Polu, was found guilty of one count of forgery.
Apulu is set to appear again next month for a probation report and sentence.
This is the outcome of the long awaited court verdict on the trial against the five defendants over a complaint filed to the police by a ruling party MP and associate Minister, Peseta Vaifou Tevaga, whose son is one of the company's directors.
A source within the prosecution said it was likely the verdict would be appealed.
Apulu Lance Polu talking to his lawyer post-verdict Photo: RNZ Pacific / Autagavaia Tipi Autagavaia