Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

American Samoa church offers job to jailed rapist

Posted at 03:28 on 14 November, 2012 UTC

American Samoa’s largest church has offered a job to a man jailed for 28 months for rape.

Tone Pulou pleaded guilty this year to raping and impregnating a 13 year-old student more than two years ago.

His defence lawyer has filed a motion with the High Court, seeking work release for the former public elementary school teacher.

Included in the request is a letter from the general secretary of the Congregational Christian Church, stating the Church would like to hire Pulou to work as a custodian.

But deputy attorney general, Mitzie Jessop, argues that Pulou is a convicted rapist, and if he works as a custodian for the church then he will again have access to young girls.

The court has asked that a church representative appear in court to answer some questions and concerns.

Samoa News reports another hearing is set for later this week.