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Holiday dispute lands two men in court

American Samoa District Court building
ausage@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A dispute in Vailoa during Columbus Day last week Monday landed two men in court.

Lafaele Siomia and Faamoana Leaupepe made their initial appearances in District Court this week — both are charged with disturbing the public peace in the village.

Judge Fiti Sunia released both men on their own recognizance subject to certain conditions. They have to keep the peace at their residence, and be alcohol and drug free. They are to remain law abiding and not make any direct or indirect contact with the government’s witnesses.

According to the government’s case, it was around 7:55 p.m when a female called the Tafuna Substation to report that her husband, Siomia, was intoxicated, making unreasonable noises, and was involved in a verbal altercation with his cousin, Leaupepe, who lives next door.

It is alleged that an intoxicated Siomia unplugged the extension cord that was connected to the neighbor's house. This angered Leaupepe, who lives next door, and caused him to grab a crowbar and threaten Siomia.

The court affidavit notes that Leaupepe stood outside of Siomia’s house, and yelled out, “You want me to come inside and cut your neck? I’ll come there and kill you."

The threats alarmed the neighbors and caused them to come out of their homes.

Siomia and Leaupepe are both scheduled to appear in court Oct. 30 for their next hearing.