HONOLULU — A former acting executive director of a federally funded organization in American Samoa has pleaded guilty to the theft of federal grant funds.

The U.S. Department of Justice says David Wagner of Maryland Heights, Mo., admitted he stole more than $31,000 from U'una'i Legal Services Corporation and the department's Office of Violence Against Women in 2005 and 2006.

The 47-year-old Wagner entered his plea Thursday before U.S. District Judge Carol E. Jackson in the Eastern District of Missouri.

He faces a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison, a $250,000 fine and payment of $31,000 in restitution when he is sentenced July 12.

The corporation provides free legal services to victims of domestic violence, dating violence, stalking and sexual abuse.