Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On September 19, 2024, a male individual (reporter) contacted the Tafuna Police Substation to report that he was allegedly assaulted by his brother-in-law.

As a result, both the brother-in-law (suspect) and the reporter were both arrested and charged separately.

Akaimo Taufete’e was charged with Count 1: Assault in the Third Degree ( As a C. Misd.) ( DV ), a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine of $300 but not less than $150, or both.

His bail was set at $500.

Christopher Montbriand was charged with Count 1: Criminal Contempt, a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of $1,000, or both.

Christopher Montbriand’s bail was set at $1,000.

According to the affidavit, on September 19th, at around 8:49 p.m, Montbriand called 911 and reported that his brother-in-law, Akaimo Taufete’e had physically assaulted him at their family home.

Upon arrival at the scene, police officers met with a male individual, later identified as Christopher Montbriand. He stated that “his brother-in-law punched him in the face in which he lost his front tooth.” He continued to explain that his wife and brother were arguing and he intervened and told them to “cut their BS out”. As a result, his brother-in-law reacted and punched him in the face.

When Montbriand was asked who stays in their residence, he stated that it was his mother-in-law’s house and they all live in her home; Montbriand, his wife and son, and also Taufete’e and his wife and kids.

Montbriand was then placed into the police unit and transported to the TPS for medical treatment. Upon arrival at the station he was treated by the EMS for his injuries.

However, further investigation revealed that Montbriand was in contempt of a court’s order, violating court conditions not to make contact with his wife. Montbriand was with his wife at her house during the altercation with the suspect. He also instigated the incident by involving himself in his wife’s and her brother’s argument.

After Montbriand’s treatment, he was booked and later transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility to be confined until the next available sitting of the DIstrict Court.

The affidavit does not state any further information regarding Akaimo Taufete’e.

Taufete’e is identified as a 26-year-old U.S National, and Montbriand is identified as a 32-year-old citizen of Chile, South America.