Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On Jan. 30, 2026, police arrested So’olefai Sitagata after he allegedly threatened his uncle during a disturbance at a residence in Pago Pago.

Mr. Sitagata was later arrested and charged with:

Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine of $300, or both and fine; and,

Count 2: Trespass (DV), a class B misdemeanor punishable imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of $500, or both.

The defendant was held without bail.

According to the court affidavit, filed in the District Court on February 10, 2026, the incident was reported to Police Headquarters when the victim contacted authorities stating that his nephew had arrived at his residence and threatened to physically harm him.

Police officers responded to the call and arrived at the scene, where they observed an elderly man (victim) seated in a wheelchair inside the residence. Officers also observed another man inside the home with his head resting on a table.

The elderly resident briefly spoke with officers and explained what had occurred earlier that evening.

According to the victim’s verbal statement, the suspect arrived at the residence uninvited and intoxicated. The victim told police that the suspect began yelling loudly inside the home and threatened to beat him up.

The affidavit states that the suspect remained at the residence for several hours and refused to leave despite being told multiple times to do so.

The victim informed officers that the suspect no longer lives at the residence, although they previously lived together. He told officers that he had already communicated to the suspect that he was not welcome at his home.

However, the victim stated that the suspect continues to show up at the residence, often when he is intoxicated. The victim explained that these incidents have been ongoing and have become a serious concern for him.

According to the report, the victim said the suspect frequently causes disturbances when he arrives at the home in this condition. Because of his behavior, the victim said he fears for his safety.

The affidavit also states that the victim lives alone and is wheelchair-bound, which makes it difficult for him to protect himself if the situation becomes violent.

The victim told officers he is concerned that the suspect may eventually harm him during one of these incidents while he is intoxicated.

Following the interview, officers located Sitagata (suspect) and took him into custody without incident. He was transported to Police Headquarters for further investigation.

Upon arrival at the station, officers determined that the suspect appeared to be under the influence of alcohol.

Due to his condition, Sitagata was formally booked and later transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility, where he was held pending the next available sitting of the District Court.

Court documents further state that investigators conducted follow-up inquiries regarding the living arrangements at the victim’s residence.

Officers contacted a family member of the victim who resides off-island. According to the report, the family member confirmed that Sitagata is not permitted to stay at the victim’s residence and that previous efforts had been made by the family to remove him from the home.

Authorities also confirmed that the suspect had been told that he was no longer allowed to return to the property.

So’olefai Sitagata is identified as a 35 year-old citizen of Samoa.

[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.]