Los Angeles Man Pleads Guilty to Drug Conspiracy and Murder for Hire Conspiracy

Acting U.S. Attorney Duane A. Evans announced DAVID SUIAUNOA, a/k/a “DAVE,” age 46, from Torrence, California, pled guilty today to conspiracy to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine and conspiracy to use interstate commerce facilities on the commission of a murder for hire.

According to court documents, since on or about December 17, 2015, SUIAUNOA, and co-defendants LUCKY FUA IOSUA and NADINE SAMALAULU PAALA, conspired to distribute and possess with the intent to distribute 500 grams or more of methamphetamine. SUIAUNOA, IOSUA, and DAVID PHILLIPS were also charged with conspiring to commit a murder-for-hire from on or about July 27, 2016. The investigation revealed that PHILLIPS hired SUIAUNOA to kill an individual located in Los Angeles. SUIAUNOA and IOSUA later attempted to hire an undercover agent from Homeland Security Investigations to find a hitman to complete the murder. SUIAUNOA, IOSUA, and PHILLIPS were all arrested before the victim could be murdered.

SUIAUNOA faces a mandatory minimum of ten years and a maximum of life imprisonment, a fine of not more than $10,000,000 for conspiracy to distribute methamphetamine and a maximum of ten years imprisonment, and/or a fine of $250,000 for conspiracy to use interstate commerce facilities on the commission of a murder for hire. U.S. District Judge Eldon E. Fallon set sentencing for October 19, 2017. IOSUA, PAALA and PHILLIPS are scheduled for trial on September 11, 2017.

Acting U.S. Attorney Evans praised the work of the Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations in investigating this matter. Assistant United States Attorney Jonathan L. Shih is in charge of the prosecution.