Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On January 11, 2026, a man was arrested following a reported garage break-in and theft of multiple household items from a residence in the Ottoville area earlier this month.

Alapati Maloata was arrested and charged with:

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

Count 3: Trespass, a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine not more than $500, or both.

The defendant was held without bail.

According to court affidavit, filed in District Court on Jan. 21st, a homeowner contacted the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) to report that his garage had been burglarized while the family was away.

Police were informed that several items were missing from the garage, including three leaf blowers, one vacuum cleaner, and three bicycles.

Responding officers made contact with the reporting party, at the residence, who directed them to the area where the suspect allegedly gained entry into the property. The homeowner stated that the suspect or suspects cut through a wire mesh fence at the rear of the garage to access the compound.

Officers observed a large opening in the fence and documented the point of entry  with photographs. The homeowner was advised to secure the area to prevent further unauthorized access.

The homeowner told officers that the family had been attending church in Vatia at the time of the break-in and did not know the exact time the theft occurred. He stated that the incident was discovered only after he returned home and began feeding his dogs under the carport, at which time he noticed several household items missing from their secured storage area. After discovering the missing property, the homeowner inspected the rear of the carport facing the cemetery and observed the opening in the wire fence.

The homeowner informed his parents of the situation and contacted the police to report the break-in.

The homeowner provided officers with estimated values for the missing property, stating that the two leaf blowers were valued at $280 each, the third blower at $240, the vacuum cleaner at $180, and the three bicycles at $140 each. The total estimated value of the stolen items was approximately $1,400.

An eyewitness at the scene told officers that earlier that afternoon, at around 4:00 p.m., she observed a man loading a vacuum cleaner and a bicycle into a taxi before leaving the area. The witness later identified the individual as someone she recognized from school.

The eyewitness relayed this information to the homeowner, who then contacted the TPS and provided officers with additional details regarding the suspect’s identity and actions.

Police also contacted and interviewed the taxi driver who transported the suspect. The driver stated that he was unaware that any crime had occurred and believed he was simply providing transportation services. He reported that he saw the suspect loading a vacuum cleaner and a bicycle into the vehicle before transporting him to Petesa, where the suspect reportedly resides.

Later in the early morning hours, at approximately 2:46 a.m., officers on routine patrol in the Petesa area observed the suspect walking in the neighborhood. The suspect was known to police due to prior incidents and investigations.

The patrol officers contacted the reporting officer and informed him of the suspect’s location. The suspect was subsequently apprehended and transported to the TPS for questioning. At the substation, the suspect was Mirandized and agreed to speak with officers.

According to court affidavit filed in the District Court on Jan. 21st, the suspect voluntarily waived his rights and admitted to committing the theft and break-in.

Following the interview, the suspect was booked and later transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility pending further court proceedings.

Police also reported that the vacuum cleaner and one bicycle matching the description of the stolen property were recovered. Investigators continue efforts to locate the remaining missing items.

Police further emphasized that eyewitness information and cooperation from members of the public played a significant role in identifying and locating the suspect.

No injuries were reported in connection with the incident.

Alapati Maloata is a 34-year-old citizen of Samoa.

[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. Under local law, defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty by the court. ra]