Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On March 5, 2026, a victim called the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) and reported that he and his minor son were allegedly assaulted by two people.

The suspects, Moli Gaugautolovae and Taoipu Gaugautolovae were later arrested and both charged with:

Count 1: Assault in the Third Degree (DV), a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, a fine not to exceed $1,000, or both imprisonment and fine; and,

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

The defendants were held without bail.

According to the court records, police officers responded to the scene at approximately 7:04 p.m. Upon arrival, officers made contact with the victim and at least two juveniles present at the residence. The situation appeared to involve a domestic-related dispute that escalated into a physical altercation.

While some officers remained in front of the residence to secure the scene and speak with the victim and juveniles, other officers proceeded to the rear of the property where the defendants, Moli Gaugautolovae and Taoipu Gaugautolovae, were located.

Officers made contact with the defendants and began conducting an on-site investigation into the reported incident.

During the preliminary stages of the investigation, officers also conducted field interviews with the juveniles present. The minors appeared shaken and emotional as they recounted what they had witnessed. Officers ensured that the juveniles were safe and separated from the involved parties while the investigation continued.

One of the defendants, Moli Gaugautolovae, identified as the victim’s girlfriend/ wife was later asked to accompany officers to the TPS for further questioning. The second defendant, Taoipu Gaugautolovae, identified as Moli’s father, was also transported to the TPS.

The investigation revealed that the incident stemmed from a domestic dispute inside the home that escalated into violence. Authorities further learned that the victim and Moli were involved in a relationship and resided in the same household, along with other family members.

Officers observed visible injuries on the victim, including bruising and scratches on the right arm below the elbow and facial injuries between the nose and upper lip. One of the juveniles (the victim’s son) also had a minor visible mark near the eye area at the time officers arrived on the scene. The injuries were documented as part of the investigation.

The victim was transported to the TPS along with his two children and personal belongings.

Once at the station, he was placed in an interview room where he provided a verbal statement to investigators.

According to the victim’s statement, the incident began as a verbal argument inside the home. The argument reportedly intensified, and the victim was told to lower his voice. During the dispute, statements were allegedly made that further provoked tensions among those present in the household.

The victim stated that the situation escalated when Moli allegedly hit him. He claimed that after attempting to shield himself, he was struck again and eventually fell to the ground. While on the ground, he reported being kicked multiple times. He also alleged that Taoipu became involved during the altercation and approached him in a threatening manner while holding a shovel, causing him to fear for his safety.

Despite the alleged assault, the victim indicated that his primary concern was retrieving important personal documents belonging to his children, which he claimed were being withheld. He expressed that he did not wish to pursue charges against either defendant, but wanted his sons’ documents taken by Moli returned.

Both defendants were separated upon arrival at the TPS, and individually advised of their constitutional rights. Both acknowledged understanding their rights and agreed to provide statements to investigators.

According to Moli Gaugautolovae, she initiated the physical altercation. She stated that the argument began after the victim failed to return home — he was supposed to come home after work to buy food for their kids, but instead went and drank with his coworkers. She reported becoming upset after being unable to reach him by phone and admitted that the confrontation escalated upon his return home. She further admitted to striking and kicking the victim multiple times during the incident.

Moli also addressed the issue of the children’s documents, when asked by the interviewer when she had last seen the documents. She stated that she had requested copies of them to file taxes for the victim (her boyfriend) but denied having possession of the documents and that the victim was hiding the documents from her when they had the argument.

In a separate interview, Taoipu Gaugautolovae, also provided a statement to officers after being advised of his rights. He stated that he became involved after overhearing statements made during the argument that he perceived as disrespectful toward his family. He admitted to engaging in physical contact during the incident, including striking one of the juveniles (victim’s son) who was present at the scene.

According to statements gathered during the investigation, the sons had approached the area in an attempt to intervene or observe the situation where the altercation was taking place. A neighbor eventually intervened, assisting the victim and his sons in leaving the immediate area and distancing themselves from the confrontation.

Officers also obtained a statement from one of the juveniles, who reported witnessing the altercation and confirmed that physical violence occurred.

He claimed that he saw his stepmother assault his dad when he and his brother came to the front to look, but his step-grandfather punched him out of nowhere in the face. He said he cried and called out for help. He also stated that he saw his stepmother kick his dad in the stomach.

Based on the evidence collected, including physical observations, witness statements, and admissions made by both defendants, they were taken into custody.

Both defendants were booked and confined at the Tafuna Correctional Facility pending further legal proceedings.

The case remains under investigation.

With the exception of the minor, who was born in the U.S. — both of the defendants and the victim are identified as citizens of Samoa.

The affidavit was filed in the District Court on March 6, 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.]