Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On August 25, 2026, a woman contacted the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) and reported that her niece was allegedly assaulted by a woman at the Church of Latter Day Saints chapel located in Puapua. 

The suspect, later identified as Imelda Aiono was charged with:

Count 1: Public Peace Disturbance, a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of not more than $500, or both imprisonment and fine; and,

Count 2: Assault in the Third Degree, a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, a fine not to exceed $1,000, or both.
The defendant was held without bail. 

According to the court records, it was the victim's relative who contacted police and reported that the victim had allegedly been assaulted inside or near the LDS chapel in Puapua.

Officers responded to the report and arrived at approximately 6:11 p.m., where they met with the reporting party and the victim. Police then conducted an in-field interview with the victim regarding what had occurred.

According to the victim's account, she was inside the church hall when Aiono approached her and asked if they could speak outside. The victim reportedly agreed to go outside because Aiono spoke to her in what she described as a calm and friendly tone.

However, once they were outside, the situation allegedly changed, with Aiono becoming increasingly loud and began confronting her about a family dispute involving Aiono's younger sister and the victim.

The victim reportedly questioned why the family matter had to be brought up at the church chapel.

According to the police report, the two women continued arguing back and forth before the confrontation became physical. The victim stated that Aiono raised her hands as though she was preparing to punch her. At first, the victim reportedly believed Aiono was only attempting to intimidate her.

However, the victim told police that Aiono suddenly punched her in the mouth and began beating her.

The victim reportedly could not remember the exact number of punches she received. She alleged that Aiono also kicked her while she was on the ground during the confrontation.

She told investigators that during the alleged beating, she struck her head against what felt like a hard object and began feeling as though she might faint.

In an attempt to stop the attack, the victim reportedly grabbed Aiono's leg and tried to bring her to the ground. She said Aiono also grabbed her by the hair while the two were on the ground. 

The victim continued that Aiono continued kicking her multiple times while she was on the ground and appeared to be attempting to provoke her into fighting back.

The victim alleged that while they were face-to-face, Aiono told her that she "talked too much."

The two women eventually agreed to release each other's hair and stood back up.
According to the victim, Aiono then challenged her to fight.

Police also documented allegations that the argument included offensive language.

Following the interview, officers photographed the victim's reported injuries.

The victim was also provided a written statement form and was instructed to complete the statement and return it to the TPS.

Officers then left the location to search for Aiono.

Police subsequently located Aiono at the same LDS church chapel in Puapua. The officers conducted an initial field interview with her regarding the reported confrontation.

According to the police report, Aiono admitted that she threw the first punch.

Police then informed her that she would be taken to the TPS for further questioning. Aiono reportedly complied and agreed to accompany the officers.

At the station, police informed Aiono of her constitutional rights. The suspect acknowledged and indicated that she understood her rights and agreed to provide a statement.

Aiono stated that she saw the victim inside the church hall and asked her to speak outside. The victim reportedly agreed, and the two women went outside together.

Aiono told police that she confronted the victim about what she believed was a betrayal involving her younger sister.

According to Aiono's statement, the disagreement was connected to a family dispute that had reportedly been ongoing for approximately one month.

Aiono told investigators that “the victim's tone of voice became too strong during their conversation, which angered her.”

She reportedly acknowledged that she punched the victim after becoming upset.

The affidavit was filed in the District Court on Aug. 27, 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.]