Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Police responded to a disturbance call from the village of Faga‘ima on the evening of December 6, 2025, after a resident reported ongoing shouting and profanity in a residential area.

According to the affidavit filed in District Court on Dec. 8th, a report to police was made at approximately 7:38 p.m. by a man, who stated that a neighbor, later identified as Peniamina Tiatia, was yelling profanities and causing alarm in the neighborhood. The shouting reportedly occurred in the presence of the reporting party’s children.

The defendant was charged with a Public Peace Disturbance count, a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for six months, a fine of $500, or both.

The reporter/ victim told officers that the disturbance began earlier in the evening while his family was preparing for prayer. He stated that loud shouting could be heard coming from outside the home and that the voice was recognized as the defendant’s.

The victim said this type of behavior had occurred on previous occasions but that on this evening the yelling escalated and included his name.

The victim stated that he went outside to identify the source of the disturbance and attempted to speak with Mr. Tiatia. However, he reported that the shouting continued and became louder, prompting him to contact police.

Officers arrived at the scene shortly after and met with the victim, who pointed out Tiatia near his residence. Police took the defendant into custody without incident and transported him to the Tafuna Police Substation.

At the substation, officers advised the defendant of his constitutional rights. Police reported he acknowledged understanding his rights and provided a statement.

In his statement, Tiatia admitted to yelling profanities but said the comments were directed at children near his home whom he considered to be like younger brothers.

Tiatia was later booked and confined at the Tafuna Correctional Facility pending further proceedings.

The defendant is identified as a 34-year-old US Citizen.

[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. Under local law, defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty by the court. ra]