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Malaeimi assault defendant alleges victim is a drug dealer

American Samoa District Court building
ausage@samoanews.com

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A man who is on probation for an assault conviction from last year was arrested this week on the allegation that he assaulted his aunty’s boyfriend. Ikenasio Tomasi is charged with one count of second degree assault, a class D felony, punishable by up to 5 years in jail, a fine of up to $5,000 or both; and two misdemeanors — trespass and third degree property damage.

If he is able to post the bond of $5,000, Tomasi is to remain law abiding, not leave or attempt to leave the territory without prior permission from the court, and not make any direct or indirect contact with the government’s witnesses, including the victim.

Preliminary hearing is Feb. 20th.

The matter was reported to police by the victim’s sister after she found out that her brother sustained severe injuries to his head and face. The woman told police that the suspect used a rock to assault her brother who was visiting his girlfriend in Malaeimi.

The victim, who sustained head injuries, was admitted to the LBJ Hospital where he underwent surgery. Twelve stitches were needed to close the gap on the left side of his head.

When he spoke to police, the victim said he was outside talking to his girlfriend (defendant’s aunty) when Tomasi walked over and called out his name. The victim said he went to see what Tomasi wanted and that’s when Tomasi struck him on the head with a rock.

The victim fell to the ground and Tomasi proceeded to kick his back and punch him multiple times in the face. During the beating, the victim said he heard Tomasi say, “I don’t want to see you talking to my aunty anymore because you’re a drug dealer.”

Tomasi was arrested at his home and transported to the Tafuna Substation for questioning. When asked about the incident, Tomasi told police he was warning the victim not to come to their home anymore because he knows he is selling drugs in the area.

He told police that on the day of the alleged incident, his brother, 28, bought two hand rolled cigarettes from the victim when the victim came to visit his girlfriend. And when he approached the victim regarding the transaction, the victim said, “that’s none of your business.” This made Tomasi upset and angered him to point where he assaulted the victim.