Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On November 15, 2024, a store owner contacted the Tafuna Police Station (TPS) to report a male individual who allegedly stole a 3 lb case of corned beef from her store. The suspect fled the scene and was nowhere to be found.

The suspect was found and charged with Count 1: Stealing, a class C felony punishable by imprisonment not to exceed seven years, a fine of not more than $5,000, or both imprisonment and fine.

The defendant’s bail was set at $10,000.

According to the court affidavit, on Nov. 15th, at around 3:47 p.m., a store owner called the TPS and reported a male individual who had stolen a case of corned beef (3 lb) worth $132.

The store owner explained that the suspect stole the corned beef case from outside of her store while her employees were unloading the cases from her truck.

The suspect was later identified as Fale, Aukuso. Police are familiar with the suspect as he has multiple stealing and burglary cases in which he was involved.

Police officers responded to the call and upon arrival at the location of the store they met with the store owner (hereinafter victim). The victim claimed that she was outside with her employees at around 2:20 p.m unloading cases of corned beef from her truck.

She stated that she was approached by a male individual (suspect) where he asked her if she needed help. She refused his offer and told him no. She also said that he asked her to buy some coconuts for $2.00, or exchange the coconuts for some food.

The victim said she told the suspect to leave her property or she’ll call the police .The suspect then walked outside from the store and one of her customers told her that Fale had grabbed a 3lb case of corned beef and walked away. At that time, she contacted the TPS for assistance.

Officers canvassed the area to look for the suspect but efforts to locate him were unsuccessful.

At about 9:48 p.m., the victim called the TPS again and reported that the suspect had returned to her store. The offices responded immediately and apprehended the suspect where he was transported to the station for further investigation.

Upon arrival at the TPS, the suspect was Mirandized and he made a verbal statement. The suspect stated that “he only took the case of corned beef because he was hungry.”

The suspect was booked and transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility to await the next available sitting of the District Court.

The defendant is identified as a 27-year-old U.S National.