Lafaele Aunoa charged in sex case

In news from the court, a 21-year-old man has been charged in a sex case involving a 17-year-old girl.

Lafaele Aunoa, who made his initial appearance in the District Court today is facing charges of sexual abuse first-degree, sodomy, felonious restraint and endangering the welfare of a child.

The District Court set bail for Aunoa at $20,000.

The sexual claims were reported to the Police in February this year. It’s alleged the 17-year-old girl met Aunoa at the baseball field where they are both assistant coaches.

The complainant told Police that on February 13, 2023, Aunoa asked her to be his girlfriend and out of pity she said yes. The same night the defendant added her on social media and they exchanged messages and she blocked him given the age difference.

However two days later during a baseball game, the pair met outside of the field’s restroom. It alleged Aunoa grabbed her arm and dragged her into the bathroom stall, pinned her against the wall and covered her mouth.

It’s further alleged the defendant wanted sexual favors but she refused. The complainant further told Police the defendant slammed her head against the wall.

The girl managed to run away from the stall and hid inside her mother's car right outside the bathroom.

Court filings say the defendant’s statement to Police corroborated what the girl outlined in her testimony to investigators.