Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On July 16, 2024, a male individual contacted the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) to report an unknown male caught on camera who stole from his property.

The officers weren’t able to locate the suspect however an arrest warrant was requested and the suspect was charged with:

Count 1: Stealing, a class C felony punishable by imprisonment for not more than seven years, a fine of up to $5,000 up to a maximum of $20,000, or both.

The defendant’s bail was set at $1,000.

According to the affidavit, on July 16, 2024 at about 4:25 p.m, a male individual contacted the TPS and reported an unknown male caught on surveillance cameras, unlawfully entered his land and took a wheelbarrow full of cucumbers that was inside the patio of his house in Vaitogi.

Police officers responded to the call and met up with the reporter/ caller (later identified as the victim) and another male at one of the victim’s lands where he briefed the officers on what happened.

According to the victim’s verbal and written statement, on July 16th, at about 3:00 p.m, a man who lives on one of his lands called him. He was complaining about an unknown male individual who stole a black wheelbarrow which was worth $285. Moreover, inside the wheelbarrow contained 140 lbs of fresh local cucumbers which was worth $175. The victim checked his surveillance cameras and saw the possible suspect. He then contacted the authorities to file his complaint.

The total worth of stolen items was estimated at $460.

Police officers looked at the footage provided by the victim, in which the suspect was allegedly identified as Edward Johnny also known as “Etuale” by the village people.

According to the report, the suspect was also involved in other cases regarding stealing from village banana and coconut plantations owned by different people.

The officers also observed a sign of “No Trespassing” on the victim’s land.

Police officers proceeded to locate the suspect at his residence but efforts were unsuccessful.

The affidavit did not state whether the suspect had been found but according to the affidavit, a request was submitted for an arrest warrant for Edward Johnny by the police officers.

The suspect is identified as a 24-year-old U.S National.