A judge in American Samoa has dismissed 12 sex related charges against a public safety officer assigned to the Juvenile Detention Center.
High Court in Fagatogo, American Samoa. Photo: noaa
Okesene Alo initially faced 35 counts including 28 felonies and his bail was set at$US200,000.
The felony charges included 10 counts of rape involving a minor 16 years or younger, and two other felony sex related charges.
But after a preliminary examination, District Court Judge Fiti Sunia dismissed 14 felony counts.
The judge said the court was not satisfied with the evidence presented by the government for probable cause that a crime was committed.
Mr Alo's case is to go to the High Court for his arraignment on Wednesday when he is expected to enter a not guilty plea.