24 Jun 2015

Samoans elect jury trial on sex charges in American Samoa

5:57 am on 24 June 2015

The three members of a Samoa school group continue to be remanded in custody in neighbouring American Samoa on sexual offences after their latest court appearance.

Pago Pago, American Samoa.

Pago Pago, American Samoa. Photo: AFP

The students and a volunteer from the Don Bosco school, who were in the territory for the Flag Day celebration in April, are each charged with rape, sexual assault, sexual abuse and endangering the welfare of a child.

The High Court has been told all three have rejected offers of plea agreements from the government and have opted to face jury trials.

Bail for the three is set at $US100,000 dollars each.