The Attorney General’s Office has charged two brothers in connection with an assault case that occurred last November 2016 in Utulei. Romeo and Raymond Faaloua are each held on bail of $10,000 and each are facing one count of first degree assault and one count of third degree assault. The felony assault is a class B felony that is punishable to up between five years to 15 years in jail while the misdemeanor charge carries a jail term of up to one year in jail, and or a fine of up to $1,000.

According to the government’s case, the incident came under the police radar when it was reported that the defendants allegedly assaulted a young man at the gas station in Utulei. It’s alleged that the victim was working at the gas station when three individuals approached him. Raymond allegedly punched the victim first in the face and then Romeo jumped in and began to punch and kick the victim.

Both defendants were punching and kicking the victim, while the victim’s co-worker tried to stop the fight but was unsuccessful, court filings say.

It’s alleged that one of the defendant’s with long hair fetched a tire rim and was about to strike the victim when the third person that was with the defendants stepped in and stopped it.

Court filings say that the victim was taken to the hospital and he suffered multiple fractures on the face and skull, severe bruising, swelling and lacerations. The victim required major facial bone repair and reconstruction surgery and was only able to sustain a fluid diet. Court filings say the victim suspected the defendants mistook him for someone else.

The defendants made their initial appearance in the District Court this week before District Court Judge Fiti Sunia.

Their preliminary examination hearing has been scheduled for today for the judge to determine whether the government has sufficient evidence to proceed with this case to the high court for further prosecution or deposition.

The brothers are each represented by the Public Defender’s office while prosecuting this case is Assistant Attorney General Jedidiah Begelow, and the arresting officer is Sali Malala.