Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A 43-year-old man from Nuuuli was arrested during the weekend on allegations that he assaulted his wife in front of his 4 children, pulling her hair and punching her face, which caused her to fall down.

The defendant, a carpenter for over 15 years, made his initial appearance in District Court this week. He has entered a not guilty plea to private peace disturbance and 3rd degree assault.

Judge Fiti Sunia has released the defendant on his own recognizance under certain conditions, including no direct or indirect contact with his wife and children, and he has to find a place to stay while his matter is pending in court.

The government claims the defendant came home from work last Friday very drunk, and confronted his wife about issues regarding their family, including money.

It was during the confrontation the defendant allegedly assaulted his wife.

A neighbor who heard the woman screaming contacted police.

Samoa News is withholding the name of the defendant in order to protect the privacy of the victim.

TCF ESCAPEES’ CASE CONTINUED

The case against the three inmates accused of escaping from the Territorial Correctional Facility (TCF) this year is continued to July 6th.

Joe Togitogi, Joseph Iakopo and Ryan Pite appeared in High Court last week for their pretrial conference hearing. However, their attorney, Acting Public Defender Kate Hannaher informed the court that while they have received all the discovery from the government, but they need more time to review the information to determine what motions need to be filed in court.

Prosecutor Christy Dunn said it appears from the discovery that there were other crimes that were committed during the alleged escape.

Chief Justice Michael Kruse granted the motion for a continuance, saying something must be filed in court before the next hearing for this case.

The trio is facing escape and burglary charges.