Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On December 16, 2024, Fagatogo Police Station (FPS) received a call from a female individual reporting an alleged burglary at the Tutuila Store in Fagatogo.

Jefferey Luteru was apprehended and later charged with:

Count 1: Burglary in the Second Degree, a class C felony punishable by imprisonment not to exceed seven years, a fine of not more than $5,000, or both imprisonment and fine;

Count 2: Stealing, a class C felony punishable by imprisonment not to exceed seven years, a fine of not more than $5,000.00, or both imprisonment and fine 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; and,

Count 3: Property Damage in the Third Degree, a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of $500, or both.

The defendant’s bail was set at $5,000.

According to the court affidavit, on Dec. 16th, at about 8:18 a.m., FPS received a call that the Tutuila Store in Fagatogo was burglarized by an unknown individual.

Police officers proceeded to the call and met with the store owner who directed them to the far left of the store where a hole was situated right next to a camera that was unplugged by the perpetrator. The hole indicated how the perpetrator gained entry within the store — by damaging the wall from the back of the store.

Additionally, evidence was found inside the store near the entry point and outside.

Soon afterward, more police officers arrived at the scene and proceeded to interview the reporter and the store owner in reference to the inventory of missing items, stolen or damaged.

According to the reporter’s (employee) written statement, upon her arrival at the store she went and inspected everything inside the store. She explained that she saw the hole situated at the far left corner of the store and noticed the camera was unplugged. She then proceeded to the counter where the cash register was located and found $200 worth of coins missing, as well as a Bluesky e-charged container worth $229.

After interviewing the reporter, the officers proceeded to canvas the surrounding area while waiting for the owner’s husband to provide the surveillance footage, which was made available at a later time.

Upon viewing the footage, the perpetrator was observed stealing more than the reporter had listed in her written statement. The perpetrator also stole a radio worth $45 and earring studs worth $72.

The video showed a clear image of the perpetrator’s face and a noticeable tattoo on the right side of his bicep and was also drinking a soda inside the store. However, despite the video capturing the suspect’s actions, his identity remained elusive at that time.

It was later that the police station received a call that an employee had identified the suspect on the video surveillance as Jefferey Luteru.

The suspect has a history of criminal activity and was reportedly seen at the Fagatogo Pavilion.

In response to the call, police promptly located and apprehended the suspect.

Following the apprehension, the suspect was transported to the station where he was Mirandized and opted to remain silent.

A subsequent body search was conducted and found were the earring studs and $42 in cash, potentially linked to the stolen coins reported by the employee.

The suspect was formally processed and transferred to the Tafuna Correctional Facility pending further legal proceedings.

The defendant is identified as a 21-year-old U.S National.