Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On May 18, 2024, a police officer called Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) to report an alleged assault on a CCCAS church pastor. The defendant was held down by neighbors to await police arrival.

Afega Uaita was later arrested and charged with:

Count 1: Public Peace Disturbance, a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for six months, a fine of $500, or both; and,

Count 2: Assault in the Third Degree (As a C Misd.), a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for fifteen days, a fine of $300, or both.

The defendant’s bail was set at $500.

According to the affidavit, at about 10:33 a.m, a police officer called and reported a male from Faleniu had allegedly punched a pastor.

Officers responded and upon arrival at the scene, they observed that the suspect was being held by neighbors. A witness at the scene, told police the defendant had punched the CCCAS pastor while he was conducting his morning visits.

Afega Uaita was apprehended and transported to the TPS for further investigation.

After the defendant was Mirandized, he admitted to punching the pastor with a closed right hand fist to the left side of the pastor’s face for no reason.

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

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