Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On June 23, 2026, a distressed victim of a domestic violence incident called the Fagatogo Police Station (FPS) and reported that her husband allegedly violated a court-issued Protection Order by returning to his estranged wife's residence during the early morning hours despite having previously been warned not to do so.

The suspect was arrested and charged with:

Count 1 of Trespass (DV), a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of not more than $500 or both imprisonment and fine; and,

Count 2 of Criminal Contempt, a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, a fine not to exceed $1,000, or both.

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

(Samoa News has withheld the names of the individuals involved to protect the victim of domestic violence.)

According to court documents, the incident occurred at approximately 2:07 a.m., when the victim contacted the FPS requesting immediate assistance.

The victim reported that her husband was outside her residence, continuously knocking on her door. She informed police that she had a valid Protection Order issued by the High Court of American Samoa and believed the defendant was violating its conditions.

Officers responded to the residence and arrived at approximately 2:20 a.m. Upon arrival, they encountered the defendant outside the home.

Police then contacted the victim and requested that she present the Protection Order for verification. After reviewing the court order and confirming that it remained valid and enforceable, officers determined that the defendant was in violation of its conditions.

The defendant was immediately placed in handcuffs and escorted to a marked police vehicle without incident.

While officers secured the defendant, another officer interviewed the victim outside her residence.

According to the victim, she had obtained the Protection Order on June 11, 2026, after deciding to end her marriage because of her husband's alleged infidelity. She stated that she no longer wished to continue the relationship and had sought legal protection through the High Court.

The victim further explained that this was not the first time the defendant had come to her residence after the Protection Order had been issued.

She told investigators that several days earlier, during the previous week, the defendant had arrived at her residence during the early morning hours. At that time, she personally showed him the Protection Order and instructed him to leave the property immediately. The victim stated that she also warned him that if he returned again, she would contact police.

The defendant reportedly complied with her request on that occasion and left the residence without further incident.

However, during the early morning hours of June 23rd, the defendant allegedly returned once again and began knocking repeatedly on the front door.

The victim told police that the defendant repeatedly asked her to come outside so the two could talk. However, she refused to open the door or leave the safety of the residence. She stated that the defendant's unexpected arrival in the middle of the night frightened her and caused her to fear for her personal safety.

She added that she was further concerned about why he had come to her home at such an early hour and worried that he might harm her. Because of those fears, she immediately contacted the FPS and requested police assistance.

Following the investigation at the scene, officers transported the defendant to the FPS for questioning.

At the station, the defendant was Mirandized where he acknowledged that he understood those rights but declined to provide a statement regarding the incident or answer investigators' questions.

After processing was completed, the defendant was formally booked before being transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility, where he remained pending his initial court appearance.

The defendant is identified as a 43-year-old resident of Ottoville.

The affidavit was filed in the District Court on June 26, 2026.

As with all criminal cases, the allegations outlined in court filings remain accusations at this stage, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

[Editor’s Note: An affidavit is a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation for use as evidence in court. It is not a court decision.]