Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On January 12, 2026, a domestic violence complaint filed at the Faga’itua Police Substation (FPS) resulted in the relocation of a mother and her seven (7) children to a government shelter after the woman reported repeated physical and verbal abuse by her husband.

The suspect was later arrested and charged with:

Count 1 & 3: Assault in the Third Degree (DV), a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of $1,000, or both imprisonment and fine; and,

Count 2 & 4: Private Peace Disturbance (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine not exceeding $300, or both.

The defendant was held without bail.

(Samoa News has withheld names of those involved to protect the minors involved in this case.)

According to the court affidavit, filed in District Court on Jan. 16th, a 49-year-old woman walked into the FPS seeking assistance, stating that the abuse began shortly after her husband returned to the Territory in June 2025 after being off-island for approximately seven years. There are seven children, several of whom are minors.

The victim told officers that while the first week after her husband’s return was peaceful, the situation quickly deteriorated. During the second week of his arrival, she alleged that he punched her in the forehead near her right eye, causing visible bruising.

She reported missing a full week of work due to the injury. The woman stated that she had taken photographs of the bruising for documentation, but claimed that her husband later discovered and deleted the images from her phone. She further informed investigators that she is currently the sole financial provider for the household, as her husband does not work.

Police reports indicate that the victim described ongoing verbal abuse that frequently occurred in front of their children. She alleged that her husband routinely used profane language directed at her, including offensive Samoan words and sexually explicit accusations.

According to her statement, the suspect’s behavior was fueled by jealousy and constant suspicions that she was having an affair. She said he frequently questioned who was giving her rides from work and accused her of inappropriate relationships with bus drivers.

On the morning of Jan. 12, 2026, prior to filing the complaint, the victim reported that she was waiting at a bus stop near High Chief Satele’s guest house in Alao when her husband approached her aggressively and chased her along the roadway. Two of their daughters intervened during the confrontation.

According to the affidavit, after returning to the residence, the suspect allegedly struck the victim with a broom and threw sports shoes at her, one of which made contact. He also allegedly threatened to prevent her from going to work and told her he would have her deported to Samoa.

The victim further stated that on Christmas Day her husband argued with her adult son — who is not his biological child — and ordered him to leave the home. She told police that she often attempted to maintain peace in the household, including greeting her husband warmly after work, but was instead met with insults and derogatory remarks.

Another dispute reportedly stemmed from an argument regarding the children’s social security cards for tax filing purposes. According to the victim, her husband demanded that the children’s information be given to his brother so he could file taxes using their social security numbers. She refused, claiming that the brother had previously filed using the children’s information but did not provide any financial benefit to the household. The victim stated that her husband became angry and ordered her out of the home, prompting her to temporarily stay with a relative.

Investigators interviewed the couple’s 19-year-old daughter later that afternoon. She reportedly confirmed that during the second week after her father’s return, she heard her mother crying and learned that her father had punched her. When confronted, the suspect allegedly claimed that he and his wife were “just playing.” The daughter also told police that she witnessed her father using profane language toward her mother and saw him throw objects at her during a recent argument, including a sports shoe that struck her mother.

The 15-year-old daughter was also interviewed and similarly reported witnessing repeated arguments between her parents. She told investigators she personally saw her father punch her mother in the eye, resulting in bruising that caused her to miss work for a week.

Both daughters expressed concern about the constant exposure to verbal abuse inside the home.

Police report that the suspect was interviewed later that same day at the FPS.

According to investigators, he admitted that his wife’s statements were true. He acknowledged striking her, chasing her along the road, hitting her with a broom, and throwing sports shoes at her.

When questioned about the initial punch that resulted in the bruised eye, the suspect reportedly stated that he was “just playing.” He also admitted to using profane and explicit language but claimed that he had attempted to move the argument into a bedroom before speaking in such a manner.

Given the presence of minor children and the reported pattern of violence, police contacted the American Samoa Government’s Social Services Division (ABS Unit).

Caseworkers responded shortly after 1:00 p.m. and consulted with law enforcement officials. After reviewing the circumstances, authorities made the decision to remove and relocate the victim and her children to a government shelter for their immediate safety.

Based on the admissions made by the suspect, corroborating witness statements, and the documented pattern of alleged physical and verbal abuse, investigators have recommended that a Temporary Protective Order or restraining order be issued.

Authorities indicated that allowing the suspect to remain in proximity to the family could endanger both the physical and emotional well-being of the victims and contribute to an unstable home environment.

The defendant is identified as a 49-year-old U.S national.

[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]