Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On February 23, 2026, a woman contacted the local authorities and reported that Tau Fonoti allegedly entered her home unlawfully and caused a peace disturbance.

The suspect was later arrested and charged with:

Count 1: Assault in the Third Degree (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine not more than $300, or both imprisonment and fine;

Count 2: Private Peace Disturbance (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine not more than $300, or both; and,

Count 3: Trespass (DV), a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine not more than $500, or both.

The defendant was held without bail.

According to the court records, the incident took place at approximately 9:39 p.m. at a family residence, where the defendant is accused of unlawfully entering the home, engaging in aggressive and disorderly behavior, and physically assaulting a female occupant in the presence of her family.

The court affidavit further states that Mr. Fonoti allegedly unlawfully entered the residence while the family was gathered inside having a conversation. Shortly after entering, he began directing profanities in Samoan toward the female occupant, using offensive language and making hostile remarks.

The situation reportedly escalated when the defendant made threatening statements, suggesting harm toward the victim. Moments later, he allegedly struck her once on the face with an open hand. The impact of the slap reportedly caused distress and alarm among those present, particularly as the incident unfolded in close proximity to family members, including children.

Investigators noted that the altercation occurred in a common area of the home, where the family had been gathered. Witness accounts indicate that the defendant’s actions interrupted what had been a normal evening,

After the alleged assault, the defendant exited the residence.

Police were contacted shortly after the incident, and upon arrival at the scene, authorities observed the defendant seated outside the residence. He was identified by individuals at the scene as the person responsible for the disturbance.

Officers approached and apprehended him without further incident, placing him into custody and transporting him to the police station for processing.

According to witness statements collected during the investigation, the defendant was told multiple times to leave the residence but refused to comply.

The case investigation indicates that the incident may have been triggered by an earlier dispute involving a water pipe at the property, which had reportedly come loose and caused water to spill. This issue is believed to have contributed to the defendant’s anger, ultimately leading to the confrontation inside the home.

Investigators further noted that this was not an isolated incident, as there were indications of prior disturbances involving the defendant at the same residence. While details of previous incidents were not fully disclosed, authorities referenced them as part of the ongoing concerns surrounding the defendant’s behavior.

The police report also states that at the time of his arrest, the defendant appeared to be under the influence of alcohol. Officers detected a strong odor of alcohol coming from his breath and person, which they documented as part of their observations during the booking process.

Upon arrival at the substation, Fonoti was advised of his constitutional rights. However, he declined to make a statement or answer any questions related to the allegations against him.

The defendant was processed and subsequently transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility, to await court proceedings.

The defendant is identified as a 53-year-old U.S National.

The affidavit was filed in the District Court on Feb. 25, 2026.

[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.]