Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On July 20, 2026, Fagatogo Central Police Station (CPS) contacted the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) and reported an active burglary at one of the businesses located in the Tafuna Industrial Park. The report allegedly originated from the business owner who stated that the suspect was actively burglarizing his business. 

The suspect was later charged with:

Count 1: Burglary in the Second Degree, a class C felony punishable by imprisonment for up to seven years, a fine not more than $5,000, or both imprisonment and fine;

Count 2: Stealing, a class C felony punishable by imprisonment for up to seven years, a fine not more than $5,000, or both; 

Count 3: Trespass, a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of not more than $500, or both; and,

Count 4: Property Damage in the Second Degree, a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up one year, a fine not to exceed $1,000, or both.

The defendant’s bail was set at $5,000.

According to the court affidavit, the incident occurred at approximately 11:30 p.m., when police received a report of an active burglary at a business located in the Tafuna Industrial Park.

Police were reportedly notified that a suspect, later identified as Matthew Antonio, was still inside the business, prompting officers from the Tafuna area to respond to the location. Officers arrived at approximately 11:34 p.m. and entered the property after gaining access through the main gate.

Police said they eventually entered the main building and observed that the door to the main office was partially open. Upon entering the office, officers reportedly found Antonio lying in a concealed position, appearing to be attempting to hide from them. He was immediately apprehended.

During a search of Antonio following his apprehension, police allegedly discovered approximately $10 worth of coins in his pockets. Investigators determined that the coins had reportedly been taken from a desk inside the office. 

Police also reported that Antonio made a spontaneous statement indicating that another person had accompanied him to the premises. Officers subsequently searched the compound and surrounding area for a possible second suspect. However, police said they did not locate another person or find evidence indicating that a second suspect was present.

The investigation also revealed damage to several areas and items at the business.

Police reported that two surveillance cameras located in a common area had been tampered with — one camera had reportedly been broken from its mount, while a second had been turned towards a wall. A third surveillance camera located in the kitchen area, which normally faced the entrance to the office, had reportedly been aimed downward towards the sink.

Police reviewed surveillance footage obtained during the investigation that showed the suspect entering the building through a window located in the main office.

Investigators also photographed the scene and documented the condition of the office and the property damage observed inside and around the business.

After being taken into custody, Antonio was transported to the TPS where he was Mirandized. The suspect acknowledged and waived his rights and agreed to provide a verbal statement.

Antonio declined to provide a written statement but agreed to speak with investigators.

During the interview, the suspect allegedly told police that he had left his residence in Petesa and went to Lions Park to spend time in the area. He later walked toward the Le Afi Energy premises with the intention of stealing property.

According to the police report, Antonio admitted entering the business compound from the northwestern side by crawling underneath a fenced gate. He allegedly then entered the building through a front window.

Once inside, he reportedly searched through desks and drawers looking for money or other valuable property. Police said the office was left in disarray as a result of the search. Investigators reported damage to a sliding window, office door, cabinets, lockers, desk, safe, property gate and surveillance-camera systems.

The total amount of property damage was reported to be more than $100.

Police later received additional information regarding the incident and documented statements concerning the reported burglary and damage to the business.

Antonio was subsequently booked at the TPS and transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility. He remained in custody pending the next available sitting of the District Court.

The affidavit was filed in the District Court on July 22, 2026.

As with all criminal cases, the allegations outlined in court filings remain accusations at this stage, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law.

[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.]