Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On December 25, 2024, a traffic stop resulted in the arrest of Kuresa Selesele who was allegedly driving under the influence and a revoked driver’s license.

The suspect was arrested and later charged with:

Count 1: Felony Driving, a class D felony punishable by imprisonment of not less than 90 days and not more than five years, a fine of $5,000, or both;

Count 2: Non- Possession of Driver’s License, a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment of not more than six months, a fine of $500, or both;

Count 3: Inoperable Headlamps and Taillamps, a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment of not more than six months, a fine of $500, or both; and,

Count 4: Driving Under the Influence of Alcohol or Other Drugs, a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of $1,000, or both.

The defendant’s bail was set at $2,000.

According to the court affidavit, on Dec. 25th, police officers were patrolling near the main road when they observed a vehicle exiting an intersection with no license plate light on. The officers conducted a traffic stop in front of the US Mart near Futiga, and approaching the vehicle, the driver (later identified as the suspect) was observed with red bloodshot eyes and a strong odor of alcohol coming from inside the vehicle.

The suspect was informed of the reason for the stop and was asked if he had consumed any alcoholic beverages to which he replied “no”. He informed the officers that he had just come from a friend’s house and was heading home.

Officers reported that a strong odor of alcohol was emitting from the suspect’s breath upon communication. Moreover, the suspect failed to present a valid driver’s license when asked, however he provided an immigration identification card verifying his identity.

The driver was identified as Kuresa Selesele and he was informed that he needed to go through a series of sobriety tests and was instructed to step out of the vehicle.

The suspect complied and was escorted out of the vehicle where he was explained that the Standardized Field Sobriety Test that will be administered where he understood and complied with the given instructions from officers.

The suspect failed all three administered tests for sobriety — the standard and also blew a BAC of .85%. The suspect mentioned that his driver’s license was taken away (by the court) and upon going through the list of those with revoked driver’s license, the suspect’s name was on the list, and it was confirmed by court.

The suspect was booked and later transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility awaiting the next available sitting of the District Court.

The defendant is identified as a 49-year-old citizen of Samoa.