Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On July 1, 2025, a victim of a domestic dispute called the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) and reported that her boyfriend had allegedly assaulted her in her home.

The suspect was later apprehended and charged with:

Count 1: Assault in the Third Degree (DV), a class A misdemeanor punishable by a term of imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of $1,000, or both imprisonment and fine;

Count 2: Private Peace Disturbance (DV) a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine of $300, or both;

Count 3: Property Damage with the Third Degree (DV), a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of $500, or both; and

Count 4: Trespass, a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of $500, or both.

The defendant’s bail was set at $2,000.

According to the court affidavit, on July 1st, at around 4:10 p.m., a victim of an alleged assault contacted the TPS to report that her boyfriend, (later identified as the suspect) was causing a disturbance at her home.

Police officers proceeded to serve the call and upon arrival at the victim’s residence they met with the victim. She updated the authorities regarding the incident and stated that she got into a verbal argument with him which resulted in him punching her.

She explained that the punch landed on her right arm after she used it to protect herself.

The victim alleged that they argued about chores and household matters, and noted that the suspect often threatens her during arguments or when she calls for help.

On the day of the incident, she woke up her boyfriend and asked for help to clean and to get the chicken case from the refrigerator to make food. The suspect responded by yelling profanities at her and telling her to go make the food.

Furthermore, the suspect threw her purse at the wall and ended up causing a window to crack. He also attempted to strike her but she was able to walk away.

At that point, she called 911 for help because she feared for her safety and she is five months pregnant. She explained that lately, the suspect’s behavior has changed drastically and it was becoming normal for him to threaten her.

An investigation later revealed that the suspect and the victim live together in a home belonging to the victim’s family. The victim reported this incident because she feared for her safety and wanted the suspect removed from her home because he refused to leave.

After the victim’s statement, she pointed out that the suspect was inside the house.

Police officers approached the suspect and found him lying down in the bed inside the room. He was informed by police of the allegations and was apprehended and transported to the TPS for further investigation.

Upon arrival at the station, the suspect was booked and transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility to await the next available sitting of the District Court.

The defendant is identified as a 26-year-old U.S National.