A suspended Police officer, Aiolupotea La’auli Talataina, has entered a not guilty plea to 10 criminal charges against him - including the discharging of a firearm.

The Officer entered the plea yesterday when he appeared in the District Court before Judge Fepulea’i Ameperosa Roma.

The prosecutor is Lupematasila Iliganoa Atoa from the Office of the Attorney General while Lei’ataualesa Komisi Koria is representing the defendant. 

Judge Fepulea’i denied an application for a stay in proceedings presented by the defense counsel.

“I have already looked into the application presented to me by your counsel and I have already received a submission from the prosecution,” Judge Fepulea’i said.

“I have decided to refuse the application but it is now a matter for you to give your plea to the charges against you. My written decision will be available after.”

It was then that lawyer Lei’ataualesa entered a not a guilty plea on behalf of his client.

Judge Fepulea’i then adjourned the matter until 24 July 2017 for hearing.

“If you have witnesses that you would like to testify for you this will be the day for you to bring them.”

Aiolupotea is facing one count of presenting a firearm in Apia on the 01/01/2016 where he presented a 12-gauge pump action to Vaioleti Telesia.

He is also accused of one count of presenting firearm at Malololelei in or between 01/08/15 and 31/08/15 where he presented a loaded 22 rifle bolt action to Lene Epa.

He faces a charge of discharging a firearm at Malololelei, involving a 22 rifle bolt action endangering the life of Lene Epa.

He is also accused of being armed at Malololelei with a 22-rifle bolt action, being armed in Apia on the 01/01/16 with 12-gauge pump action.

Other charges include presenting a firearm at Afiamalu in or between 01/08/15 and 31/08/15 presented a loaded rifle bolt to Lene Epa.

He is accused of being armed at Afimalu with 22 rifle bolt action, discharging a firearm at Afiamalu, presenting firearm in Apia on the 01/01/16, presenting a gauge pump action to Lene Epa vand being armed in Apia on the 01/01/16 with a  12-gauge pump action.