Police investigate alleged sex abuse
Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On October 18, 2024, an ongoing investigation of alleged sexual abuse that involved a minor and her uncle revealed that another male adult was also allegedly in a relationship with the minor.
The suspect was later arrested and charged with:
Count 1 & 2: Rape (DV), a class B felony punishable by imprisonment exceeding five years but less than five years, and a fine of not less than $150; and,
Count 3: Sodomy (DV), a class B felony punishable by imprisonment exceeding five years but less than five years, and a fine of not less than $150.
The defendant’s bail was set at $50,000.
(Samoa News has withheld names of those involved to protect the identity of the victim, a minor, in this case.)
According to the court affidavit, on October 18th, an investigation involving a minor and her uncle brought to light the claim that the minor had a sexual relationship with another adult, as well. An investigation into this matter was conducted by the authorities.
While interviewing the minor, she allegedly stated that she had vented to her boyfriend, of the sexual abuse by her uncle that was happening to her at her residence. At about 12:00 a.m., the suspect (boyfriend) was brought into the TPS where he was questioned whether the statement that the minor made was true to which he confirmed that it was.
According to the suspect, the victim arrived at the construction compound at about 9:00 a.m., where he met the victim and they walked up to his room. Once in the room, they sat on the bed whereas the victim cried and vented to him about what had happened.
When she was done crying, the suspect stated they kissed each other and it led them to having sexual intercourse.
The suspect was then Mirandized and was advised of his rights.
According to the minor, her relationship with her 20-year-old boyfriend began on May 18, 2024.
She claimed that they conversed most of the time over the phone and had sexual intercourse twice at the construction compound where the suspect resides. When the victim was asked to clarify what the suspect did to her, she stated that he kissed her and they had sexual intercourse.
Furthermore, she explained that the first sexual encounter was on June 23, 2024 and the second time was on October 18, 2024 at about 9:00 a.m.
The suspect was booked and confined at the Tafuna Correctional Facility to await the next available sitting of the District Court.
The defendant is identified as a 20-year-old.