Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA —  On April 13, 2024, a woman contacted the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) to report her husband who violated a court order (restraining order) allegedly caused a peace disturbance. The suspect was apprehended and later charged with the following.

Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance (DV) — a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen (15) days, a fine of $300, or both.

Count 2: Criminal Contempt — 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 $500.

(Samoa News has withheld names of those involved to protect the identities of the victim and her children in this case.)

According to the affidavit, on April 13, the suspect went to his wife’s house to see his children, and he was instructed by his wife (victim) that he was not allowed to be at her residence. After being told that he (suspect) would not see his children anymore, his demeanor changed and he began to yell from outside of the house for his children to get inside the car. The children were frightened as the suspect’s voice started getting louder and louder.

At that time, the victim contacted the TPS for assistance.

The victim stated that when the suspect noticed her contacting the police he fled the scene in a vehicle. As officers responded to the said call, they observed the vehicle on the Nu’uuli public highway heading northbound. Officers conducted a traffic stop of the vehicle.

Officers informed the suspect of the reason for the stop and that he had violated a court order (restraining order).

The suspect replied “ Ah man, I only went to see my kids.”

The suspect was apprehended and placed into the front passenger side of his vehicle and was operated by another officer to be impounded at the TPS.

Upon arrival at the TPS, the suspect was shown the restraining order where he claimed that the case had been dropped. However, according to the restraining order, it was issued on January 11, 2024 and is valid for the duration of one year. The suspect was ordered not to make direct or indirect contact with the victim.

Later on at about 10:44 a.m, an inventory search was conducted of the suspect’s vehicle, where alleged drugs and paraphernalia were found inside the car.

Reported as allegedly found were: a black bag containing a glass pipe with a crystalline substance was found in the armrest center console; a fanny pack containing two clear baggies with fourteen green and white straws with crystalline substances; and, six cigarette rolls with green leafy substances.

The Vice & Narcotics Unit was informed of the discoveries, and the findings were handed over to them for further investigation.

The defendant was booked and transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility awaiting the next available sitting of the District Court.

The defendant is identified as a 34 year-old U.S National.

PULETOFI KELESOMA

On April 14, 2024, police officers patrolling the Tafuna area arrested a woman for allegedly refusing to stop drinking in a public place.

The woman was arrested and later charged with the following:

Count 1: Prohibited Place of Consumption — a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for six (6) months, a fine of $500, or both; and,

Count 2: Public Peace Disturbance — a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for six (6) months, a fine of $500, or both.

The defendant’s bail was set at $300.

According to the affidavit, on April 14, 2024 at about 2: 30 a.m police officers were patrolling and observed Puletofi Kelesoma in front of the bus stop in front of ASPA consuming alcohol (Steinlager beer). One of the officers told the suspect that she cannot consume alcohol at the bus stop. However the suspect asked the officer If there’s a law like that? The officer then told the suspect to leave.

At about 4:00 a.m, officers patrolled the area and observed the suspect again. The suspect was still consuming alcohol and yelling profanities. The officers advised the suspect to leave immediately knowing that the suspect was intoxicated. The officers then saw the suspect as she left.

However, at about 5:00 a.m, the officers patrolling in Tafuna observed the suspect again in front of the bus stop near TSM drinking alcohol. One of the officers approached the suspect whereas the suspect swore at the officers. The officers then apprehended the suspect and was transported to the TPS for further investigation.

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

The defendant is identified as a 30-year-old U.S National.