Manu "the Animal" Cares
June 4th, 2009
Manu Sonasi Faleola was on Utah's most wanted list and at one point was considered the most dangerous man alive. Out on parole, he spoke to Anand Rao of Utah Stories about his life and future.
"Everyone in my street calls me 'Animal.' I do everything with passion and aggression," says Manu who, with his massive physique, also has one of the biggest smiles you will see.
Twenty seven year old Manu was born in West Valley City to a family of Tongan immigrants. "My mom and dad came from a very respectable family in Tonga. Forget crime; even swearing was considered wrong in our home," says Manu who became an active member of the locally born Tongan Star Crips Gang. "I still have connections with all of them but now the aim is to include them in the program." Manu is referring to intervention programs run for Polynesian youth to bring them back into the mainstream.
A part of the football team run by Detective Break Merino, Manu is a defensive linebacker and is glad to be able to play again. "I never knew I would be playing football again. I always wanted to become a pro but I went crazy," he says letting out a big, booming laugh. "I had become skinny, with all the smoking," says Manu, who at close to 300 lbs has obviously regained much of his weight.
What exactly led him to take up a life of crime? Manu doesn't have to think for an answer. "Power, pride, attention, easy money, what more do you want?" Says Manu, who believes he can look back and laugh about it now.
Manu subtly mentions that racial discrimination is a strong underlying factor for youngsters to proclaim gang affiliations. Does he still hate white people? "No way man," he says letting out another big laugh. "I am engaged to a white girl and I love her kids like mine."
Without getting into much detail, Manu mentions that he has three federal and three state charges against him. "I have been there, done everything and now I am lucky to still be around healthy and wiser. I will try and help as many kids as I can to stay away from crime," says Manu who has spent close to five years in prison. "I am blessed not to have any homicide charges against me. So I can leave the past behind and go on with life. Lots of people I know are still going crazy. I want to help them change their lives. "
Manu's knowledge of the gang world and the respect he commands on that side of the fence puts him in an ideal position to help many people. Even as we were talking, two heavily tattooed men walked in to the restaurant and Manu became alert. After a few uneasy seconds he relaxes, leans over and whispers with a smile "skateboarders, rock and roll." He has obviously been around long enough to recognize the people and their affiliations by their tattoos and colors they wear.
Manu Sonasi Faleola knows well that his future depends on outgrowing his past and embracing a new life. "I don't want to go back to that life. I want to play football, take care of my family. Earn money legally. Sleep peacefully at night."
Read the other parts in the Cradle of Crime series
