Woman accused of interfering with testimony during Manti trial

MANTI — A woman accused of interfering with testimony during her son’s felony trial in Sanpete County now faces two second-degree felony counts of obstruction of justice, according to charging documents filed in 6th District Court.

Court records identify the defendant as Junstina Faapouli, 49, of Colorado Springs. The charges stem from allegations tied to March 10 proceedings in Manti, the same day a jury acquitted her son in a separate case, according to court records.

According to an affidavit of probable cause, authorities were told of a possible witness tampering or obstruction issue at the 6th District Courthouse during the jury trial. The probable cause statement states that victim’s advocate Wes Mangum reported overhearing Faapouli speaking with two people who were scheduled to testify later that day.

The statement says both individuals told investigators that Faapouli shared specific details about the alleged victim’s testimony and said that testimony was false and inaccurate. The affidavit also states both people said Faapouli knew they were there to testify.

Before law enforcement arrived, the judge overseeing the case had already been informed about the incident and met with the involved parties, according to the affidavit. The document states Faapouli was then asked to leave the courtroom and courthouse. It further states that because she had disclosed details of the victim’s testimony to the two individuals, they were not allowed to testify in the case.

Sanpete County sheriff’s deputy Michael James Moroney wrote in the affidavit that Faapouli declined to answer questions without her lawyer present. He then arrested her and booked her into the Sanpete County Jail on two obstruction counts.

The charges against Junstina Faapouli are allegations only. A charging document and probable cause affidavit are not findings of guilt, and the case remains pending in court.