Assessors have unanimously found Reverend Petaia Setu guilty of five charges of sexual violation, including rape, on Friday.

The church minister was on trial this week, with the case concluding on Thursday. The assessors found Setu guilty of one count of rape, three counts of sexual violations in a way of harassment and one count of indecent act.

After three days of hearing, the assessors have made their decision.

Reverend Setu was accused of sexually harassing and raping the victim between 2022 and 2023.

She j told her mother about the incidents when she visited her in Melbourne, Australia, in 2023. A report was initially lodged from Australia. The victim returned to Samoa to provide her statement.

The incidents took place at the house of the church minister and also in the dining area of the church hall in Vaitele Fou.

During the trial, the court heard the accounts of the incidents from the victim. She told the court that she did not tell anyone of the crimes because she was scared that no one would believe her.

Reverend Setu was represented by counsel Lucy Sio-Ofoia, while Raewyn Fong was prosecuting the matter.

Justice Fepuleai Ameperosa Roma adjourned the matter to 13 May for sentencing.

Reverend Setu is out on bail until the sentencing.