Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On October 9, 2025, a man walked into the Tafuna Police Station and reported an alleged theft at his home. The victim provided surveillance footage, which led to the arrest of Chris Savea.

Savea was charged with:

Count 1: Burglary in the Second Degree, a class C felony punishable by imprisonment for up to seven years, a fine of up to $5,000, or both imprisonment and fine;

Count 2: Trespass, a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine not to exceed $500, or both; and,

Count 3: Stealing, a class C felony punishable by imprisonment for up to seven years, a fine of up to $5,000, or both.

The defendant was held without bail.

According to the court affidavit, on Oct. 9th, at approximately 4:00 p.m., a man (later identified as the victim) walked into the TPS. He filed a report regarding an alleged theft involving a male suspect — Chris Savea.

He reportedly stole a suitcase containing $3,500 in cash and clothes, as well as a box containing two cartons of cigarettes (one-half carton and one new carton) from the residence of the victim. The victim said that he was able to identify the suspect as he had installed surveillance cameras around his house and had video footage showing Mr. Savea at his home during the time of the incident.

The victim also noted that two of his cameras were disconnected at the time of the incident.

Police officers proceeded to the victim’s residence, where the victim led the officers to the exact location of his home. Upon arrival, the victim showed the officers to the room where a monitor displayed the camera angles installed around his property. The victim showed the footage, which revealed the suspect walking around the house.

The officers recognized and identified the suspect as Chris Savea.

After meeting with the victim, the officers left the scene to search for the suspect. While returning to the highway, the suspect was observed walking in the opposite direction and was subsequently apprehended without incident.

When the suspect was questioned, he claimed that he had just come from his home in Mapusaga and was heading to pick up his cousin from bingo.

The officers decided to transport the suspect to his residence in Mapusaga in an attempt to recover the stolen items.

Upon arrival at the suspect’s residence, he was Mirandized to which he understood and agreed to provide a statement. The officers requested consent to enter the residence, which the suspect granted.

The suspect revealed that the house belonged to his aunt and that the house was abandoned. While searching the residence, the officers discovered two empty cigarette cartons and the box that previously contained them.

When the suspect was questioned, he admitted that the items were from the victim’s house and stated that he sold the cigarettes to a store. When asked about the stolen money, the suspect claimed that “he did not know its whereabouts”.

While en route back to the station, the responding officer inquired about the clothes that were reported to be in the suitcase. The suspect stated that the clothing was still inside the suitcase, which he had left behind in the bushes near Pavaiai Elementary School.

The officers proceeded to the location provided by the suspect to locate the suitcase. The suitcase was retrieved and photographed for evidence.

Upon inspection of the suitcase, it was found to contain clothing, a phone charger and cover, and important documents. No money was found inside it.

At the police station, the suspect was advised of his rights, to which he acknowledged and agreed to provide a statement.

During the interview, the suspect denied that there had been any money inside the suitcase and stated he had left it at the location where it was recovered because he didn’t need it.

The suspect was booked and transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility for confinement to await the next available sitting of the District Court.

The defendant is identified as a 24-year-old U.S national.