Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Deion White has been charged with robbery and assault after an alleged incident in a sewing shop in Nuuuli in January 2021.

White is charged with one count of 1st degree robbery, a class A felony, punishable by imprisonment of not less than ten years and not to exceed 30 years, life imprisonment, or death; one count of stealing, a class C felony, punishable by a term of imprisonment of for up to seven years, a $5,000 fine or, pursuant to A.S.C.A 46.2101, a fine equal to twice the amount of gain from the commission of said crime, up to a maximum of $20,000, or both such fine and imprisonment, and one count of 3rd degree assault, a class A misdemeanor.

Bail is set at $15,000.

THE CASE

Investigation disclosed that on Jan. 28, 2021 at 11:14p.m, a police officer contacted Tafuna Police Substation regarding an assault that happened at Edel’s sewing shop in Nu’uuli.

Several police officers responded to the call and met with the reporter and another male individual, who was later identified as the victim in this case, who explained what happened.

Because the victim’s English was very limited, a witness, another Asian individual who was also at the scene, translated the witness’ statement to officers.

According to the victim’s translated statement, he was alone in the sewing shop when the defendant walked in with a wooden stick and started playing around — imitating the sound of a gun while pointing the stick at him (the victim).

The victim asked the suspect to leave because he was busy but the defendant refused. The victim continued to sew when the defendant struck him with a wooden stick on his right arm and the back of his neck which rendered him unconscious. The victim also stated to officers that the defendant took his wallet (containing unknown amount of cash) along with his cell phone.

The victim further stated to police that the defendant was wearing a gray shirt and a brown hat when he came into the sewing shop. After interviewing the victim, officers left the scene in an effort to locate the suspect, while other officers stayed with the victim.

A few minutes later, four police officers apprehended the defendant and he was brought back to the scene for confirmation. The victim identified Deion White as the person who allegedly assaulted him inside the sewing shop, stole his wallet and cell phone.

Officers saw bruising on the rear neck area of the victim and he was displaying signs of pain throughout his body. EMS was contacted for assistance and arrived a few moments later. The victim was taken to the hospital for further medical examination while the defendant was transported to the Tafuna Police Substation for further investigation.

White was Mirandized and he waived his rights and continued to deny the alleged accusations.