Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On May 23, 2026, a concerned father contacted local authorities and reported that his daughter was allegedly assaulted by her boyfriend in the presence of a child.

The suspect, A'eseu Mamaia was arrested and later charged with Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine not to exceed $300, or both imprisonment and fine.

The defendant was held without bail.

According to the court affidavit, police were dispatched at approximately 10:30 a.m. after receiving a report that Mamaia was intoxicated and causing a disturbance at a family home. Multiple officers responded to the scene and were directed by nearby residents to a residence located on a hillside.

Upon arrival, officers found that Mamaia had already been detained by responding personnel. While officers secured the defendant, investigators remained at the residence to interview witnesses and assess the situation.

A woman identified as the victim appeared visibly upset and was observed crying while holding a four-month-old child. Officers did not observe any visible injuries and offered medical assistance, which she declined.

The investigation revealed that Mamaia arrived at the residence earlier that morning in an intoxicated condition. An argument soon developed inside the home. During the confrontation, Mamaia allegedly grabbed the victim by the collar of her shirt while she was holding her infant child. Family members, who witnessed the incident, attempted to intervene and urged him to release her due to the child's presence.

The disturbance escalated when Mamaia allegedly demanded to know the location of a knife and began shouting profanities at members of the household. Concerned for the safety of everyone present, family members contacted law enforcement for assistance. Witnesses described the defendant as aggressive and uncooperative during the confrontation.

Family members also stated that similar incidents had occurred in the past whenever he became intoxicated. The victim expressed fear for her own safety and for the well-being of her children, prompting her request that he be removed from the property.

Police noted several signs of intoxication during their contact with Mamaia, including bloodshot eyes, slurred speech, and a strong odor of alcohol emanating from his breath.

After being transported to the Central Fagatogo Police Station, Mamaia was Mirandized. He declined to provide a statement to investigators.

Police proceeded with interviews of witnesses and reviewed the circumstances surrounding the incident.

The investigation revealed that the residence where the disturbance occurred is situated on communal family land belonging to the Mageo family. The occupants reside on the property through the traditional Samoan practice of tautua. Mamaia had reportedly been living on the property for approximately one year before the incident.

Following the completion of the investigation, Mamaia was formally booked and later transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility pending his appearance before the District Court.

The defendant is identified as a 28-year-old U.S National.

The affidavit was filed in the District Court on May 26, 2026

As with all criminal cases, the allegations outlined in court filings remain accusations at this stage, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

[Editor’s Note: An affidavit is a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation for use as evidence in court. It is not a court decision.]