Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On June 1, 2024 at about 6:30am, the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) received a call from Pele Finau requesting assistance regarding a stolen power washer. It was alleged that the culprit in the break-in was the reporter’s 23-year-old brother, Tevita Finau.

Finau was charged with the following:

Count 1: Burglary in the Second Degree — a class C Felony, punishable by imprisonment of not more than seven (7) years, a fine of not more than $5000, or both;

Count 2: Stealing — a class C Felony, punishable by imprisonment not to exceed seven (7) years, a fine of $5000, or both; and,

Count 3: Property Damage in the Third Degree — a class B misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for up to six (6) months, a fine of $500.

Bail for the defendant was set at $2000.

According to the affidavit issued in the case of Tevita Finau, as police officers arrived on the scene, they observed three male individuals and one female individual standing in front of the house. Officers spoke with Pele Finau (reporter) who stated “his father went to drop him off to work and his sister called him that their house had been broken in by Tevita.” It was then that he and his father decided to return home. As they arrived they noticed that there was damage done to the door, “the door looked like it had been kicked in” and could not be closed.

The reporter alleged that “he knows it’s his brother because every time he comes over, he steals stuff from the house” and sells it to other people for money.

He also reported that he was told by one of his neighbors that they saw the suspect breaking into the house and dragging the power washer out of the house.

Police officers then spoke to the witness.

According to the witness’ statement, “he was standing in front of his house and saw the suspect walking into his father’s house.” The witness said that he heard what sounded like wood being kicked in coming from the suspect’s father’s house. The witness then walked out to check and see what was happening and saw the door to the house was left wide open as the suspect pushed a power washer out of the house.

The suspect was seen carrying the power washer on to a wheelbarrow and pushing it towards the road. The witness further saw the suspect carrying the power washer into a vehicle that allegedly belonged to Sulu Atina’e, which took off immediately after the power washer was loaded.

After gathering statements from both the reporter and the witness, police officers drove through the Iliili road in search of the suspect. As they approached P&F Store, they observed the suspect walking towards the market across the street. The suspect was apprehended and transported to the TPS for further investigation.

The suspect was Mirandized and provided his statement.

The suspect stated “he went and stole the power wash because his brother told him to go sell it to get money to celebrate his birthday.” When the suspect knew his father and brother were not home, he went to the house and took it.

The suspect stated that “he pushed the power wash away from the house and sold it to Atina’e who passed by the road for $25.” He (suspect) explained that he knew that the only person who saw him leaving the house with the power wash and selling it was the witness.

As officers were in search of Atina’e, they were greeted by his aunt who explained that her nephew left earlier in the morning to pick up his workers and had not returned home yet. Officers spoke to the Atina’e’s girlfriend who said that her boyfriend left to drop off his workers and usually he would be home at the time but he had not returned yet. The women were advised to contact the TPS once he arrived at home.

At about 10:00am, the TPS received a call from Atina’e. He asked why officers were looking for him and was advised to proceed to the TPS with the power washer. He did make his way to the TPS and was Mirandized.

Atina’e provided his statement in which he explained that “he went to pick up his workers from Pava’ia’i and to stop by to see his family there.” It was then that he was noticed the suspect standing by the road with a wheelbarrow that had a white power washer in it.

Atina’e asked the suspect what he was doing there with the power washer. In response, the suspect asked if he wanted to buy the power washer. Atina’e stated, “he told the suspect that he only had $25 in his pocket,” and the suspect carried the power washer into his car, and he then gave him $25 and left.

Tevita Finau was booked and transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility (TCF) to be confined until his court appearance.

Police officers noted that they were able to confirm with the suspect’s brother (reporter) and father that they did not instruct the suspect to sell the power washer — both stating “they never told him to do so”.

They further explained that the suspect does not live with them, however he would only show up when he wants or needs something from them.

Both Finau and Atina’e were served with bench warrants issued by the District Court.

Tevita Finau was identified as a 23-year-old US National.