Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A man is being charged with assaulting his wife and threatening her with a machete over their new television they had just bought — which according to his wife something about it upset him.

Filemoni Taleni is charged with the following:

Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance (DV) - a class C misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen (15) days, a fine of $300 but not less than $150, or both; and,

Count 2 & 3: Assault in the Third Degree (DV) - a class A misdemeanor, punishable by imprisonment for up to one (1) year, a fine of $1000, or both.

Bail for the defendant is set at $1000.

On November 28, 2023, at about 11:47pm, a woman called the Fagatogo Police Station (FPS) to report that her husband allegedly assaulted her by punching her in the shoulder and face. The suspect also threatened to hit her with a machete.

Officers responded to the call and upon arrival at the scene, they met with the victim who was standing outside of her house. Officers suggested that they contact EMS to treat the victim, however she refused. The victim briefly explained the incident and also provided a written statement.

While providing a verbal statement, officers noticed that she (victim) was flustered, in distress, and stuttering when telling them that “her husband was upset about something regarding their new television that they [had] just bought.”

She stated that she did not respond when her husband complained about the television, which angered him (suspect).

According to the affidavit, her husband started yelling profanities and threw pillows around. When she told him that he was being disrespectful, he punched her on the right shoulder. It was when she threatened to call the police that he allegedly punched her twice in the face (right side of her chin), grabbed his machete that was leaning on the wall in their room, and threatened to hit her with it.

She then explained that “her husband came out of their house carrying a backpack and ran from the scene.”

Officers tried to locate the suspect, however they could not find him. They (officers) seized the machete and placed it in the police unit to be taken to the Fagatogo Central Station.

It is unknown at this time if Taleni has been arrested.