Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On March 30, 2026, police officers responded to a complaint about students trespassing at an abandoned residence in Petesa. The investigation has developed into a major criminal case now before the court, involving serious allegations of sexual abuse, exploitation, and misconduct involving two underage girls.

A defendant was later arrested and charged with:

Count 1 & 4: Rape, a class B felony punishable by a term of imprisonment of not less than five (5) years and not more than fifteen (15) years;

Count 2 & 5: Deviate Sexual Assault, a class C felony punishable by a term of imprisonment of up t o seven (7) years, a fine not to exceed $5,000, or both; and,

Count 3 & 6 Sexual Abuse in the First Degree, a class D felony punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to five (5) years, a fine not to exceed $5,000, or both.

The defendant was held without bail.

(Samoa News is withholding all names and any identifying details to protect the identities of the minors.)

Court records revealed that police were initially assigned on March 30, 2026, to investigate a complaint made by a property owner who reported that high school students had been repeatedly entering and loitering inside an abandoned home she owns on the West-Central side of Tutuila.

The property, which had reportedly become a hangout spot for students skipping school, was believed to be attracting young people during school hours, raising concerns from nearby residents about safety, trespassing, and possible criminal activity taking place there.

However, what officers uncovered during the course of their investigation painted a far more disturbing picture. According to the court affidavit, police interviews with juveniles connected to the location revealed allegations that two minor girls had been sexually exploited at the abandoned house on separate occasions during March.

Investigators interviewed both girls separately, with their parents present, in an effort to gather statements about what had occurred. One of the minors reportedly asked to be interviewed by a female officer because she would be more comfortable discussing the deeply personal and traumatic allegations in that environment— a request officers honored.

During that interview, police learned that the girl had first gone to the abandoned house after leaving school grounds with another student. According to court filings, several young people had been using the vacant structure as a meeting place away from public view. Investigators say that after arriving there, the minor encountered an adult male who was already at the property.

What followed, according to her statement, led investigators to believe she had been manipulated and exploited by an adult in circumstances where she was especially vulnerable because of her age and isolation.

Police documents indicated the girl described repeated encounters over several days, with incidents allegedly occurring on multiple dates throughout late March.

Investigators noted in court filings that her statement detailed conduct that formed the basis for multiple serious criminal allegations.

As officers continued digging into the matter, they interviewed a second juvenile who had also been linked to the abandoned house. During follow-up questioning, that minor disclosed a separate alleged encounter involving the same adult male earlier in the month.

According to investigators, her statement described how she had gone to the location after skipping school and was later placed in a situation that resulted in unlawful sexual contact. Court documents further indicated that the second minor reported experiencing physical pain afterward — a detail investigators documented as part of the criminal complaint.

The investigation then turned to the accused adult male, who was brought in for questioning by police. The suspect was Mirandized and he agreed to provide a statement.

During questioning, authorities alleged the suspect admitted to unlawful sexual contact with both minors on separate occasions at the abandoned property.

Court filings indicated that his admissions closely matched important portions of the statements provided by both juveniles, giving investigators what they described as corroborating evidence in support of the charges.

Authorities also uncovered troubling details suggesting that cigarettes and alcohol were present at the abandoned house during some of the incidents.

Investigators believe those substances may have been used as part of the environment in which minors were lured, pressured, or exposed to dangerous adult behavior.

The revelations have raised alarm in the community, not only because of the seriousness of the allegations, but also because of the circumstances that allowed the encounters to occur.

Parents and village leaders have long expressed concern about truancy and abandoned properties becoming gathering spots for students during school hours. Vacant homes and secluded structures can become places where youth are exposed to criminal activity, substance use, exploitation, and violence — often outside the supervision of parents, teachers, or responsible adults.

The case is now before the court, where prosecutors are expected to move forward with charges based on the findings of the police investigation.

Additional hearings are expected as the judicial process unfolds.

The defendant is identified as a 21-year-old citizen of Samoa.

The affidavit was filed in the District Court on April 09, 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.]