Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On May 18, 2026, a school principal contacted the Leone Police Substation (LPS) to report a burglary of the cafeteria at the Faasao Marist High School.

The investigation led to the arrest of Patrick Tupa’i who was later charged with:

Count 1: Stealing, a class C felony, punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed seven years, a fine of not more than $5,000 or an amount equal to twice the amount of gain from the commission of the crime up to a maximum of $20,000, or both imprisonment and fine;

Count 2: Burglary in the Second Degree, a class C felony, punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed seven years, a fine of 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 Third Degree, a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of not more than $500, or both.

The defendant was held without bail.

According to the court affidavit, a cafeteria employee was reportedly the first person to discover that something was wrong. Upon arriving for work shortly before 4:40 a.m., she immediately noticed that the lock securing a storage room had been torn from the door.

After entering the cafeteria, she observed that food supplies stored inside had been disturbed and scattered across shelves. As she continued inspecting the facility, additional signs of forced entry became apparent. A window cover near the sink area had been removed, leaving portions of the screen wire attached to the structure. The employee also discovered that an exterior door leading out of the cafeteria had been left open.

Realizing that someone had unlawfully entered the building, she immediately notified school administrators. The principal arrived on campus shortly afterward and contacted law enforcement to report the incident.

When officers arrived at the school, they were escorted to the cafeteria and shown the damage. Investigators conducted a preliminary examination of the scene and determined that the intruder had likely entered through the damaged window before moving throughout the cafeteria and storage areas in search of food and other items.

An inventory conducted by school personnel revealed that a significant quantity of food supplies and equipment had been stolen.

The missing property included three cases of sausage patties, one case of potato fries, three cases of eight-pack chocolate puddings, a 25-pound bag of white rice, an extension cord, a bread knife, and three kitchen cutting knives.

School officials expressed concern not only about the loss of the items but also about the disruption caused to cafeteria operations. The stolen food products had been intended for meal preparation and student services, while the damaged property required repairs before normal operations could fully resume.

Investigators canvassed the surrounding area in an effort to locate the stolen property, and possibly the tools used during the burglary. Officers searched around the cafeteria building and nearby grounds but were unable to locate any physical evidence connecting a suspect to the crime.

While examining the school property, officers discovered that portions of the eastern side of the campus were not secured by fencing. Investigators believed the unfenced area could have provided an easy access point for someone attempting to enter or leave the property without being detected.

As part of the investigation, officers reviewed available surveillance footage from the campus. Although the footage lacked sufficient clarity to positively identify the individual involved, it showed a shirtless male carrying a black backpack while moving around the rear section of the cafeteria during the time period relevant to the burglary.

The images became an important lead in the investigation.

Officers preserved portions of the footage and continued searching for information that could help identify the individual captured on camera.

For approximately ten days, investigators worked to develop leads regarding the burglary. The case remained active until May 28, when officers conducting patrol operations near the school encountered an individual who provided information that would ultimately lead investigators to Patrick Tupa'i.

During the conversation, the witness allegedly informed officers that he had received a bag of sausage patties from Tupa'i shortly after the burglary occurred. The witness further relayed information he had heard from another individual indicating that Tupa'i had allegedly admitted stealing food items from the school cafeteria.

The information prompted officers to conduct additional follow-up interviews and attempted to locate Tupa'i.

Investigators were directed to a residence in Malaeloa where Tupa'i was reportedly staying. Upon arrival, officers spoke with the homeowner, who informed them that Tupa'i was living at the residence because he had nowhere else to stay.

The homeowner explained that Tupa'i was not present at the time because he had gone into a nearby forested area with a relative to gather traditional medicine. While officers were still at the residence, Tupa'i returned from the outing and made contact with investigators.

He was subsequently transported to the LPS for questioning regarding the burglary.

After being advised of his constitutional rights, Tupa'i agreed to speak with investigators and provided both verbal and written statements.

During the interview, Tupa'i admitted entering the school cafeteria during the early morning hours of May 16, stating that he went to the campus because he wanted food.

Tupa'i described approaching a window located at the rear of the cafeteria and forcibly removing portions of the screen wire and window covering. After creating an opening, he climbed into the building and began searching for food products.

He admitted that his first destination inside the cafeteria was a refrigerator, where he removed three cases of sausage patties. He then entered a storage area and took additional items, including chocolate pudding, rice, and sugar.

Investigators learned that after collecting the items, Tupa'i exited through the cafeteria's front door, leaving it open. He then traveled to the rear of the school grounds and climbed over a fence before leaving the campus.

Tupa'i further stated that he transported the stolen property away from the school and later fashioned a basket to help carry the items home. The investigation also revealed that some of the stolen food products were distributed to other individuals. Tupa'i admitted that he later gave a bag of sausage patties to another person because he needed money.

Following the completion of the investigation, Tupa'i was formally booked and transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility, where he remained in custody pending his appearance before the District Court.

The matter remains pending before the court.

The affidavit was filed in the District Court on May 29, 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.]