Latu Lavaki

Man guilty of molestation

Latu Lavaki 62 was found guilty of molesting a 7-year-old relative during the Christmas break of the 2006-07 school year after luring her upstairs by promising to give her a chocolate bar.

Years later, the victim disclosed to older female relatives who admitted they too had been molested by Lavaki as far back as 1985.

However, those cases fall outside the statute of limitations, according to prosecutors.

Lavaki will next appear in court Dec. 7 for sentencing where he faces eight years prison, according to prosecutors.