Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — Two men are now being charged in connection with the alleged beating of a man in Tafuna last month. The two men, Jimmy Valaau and Joseph Ameko, also known as Joe Ameko made their initial appearance in District Court two weeks ago.

Valaau and Ameko are each charged with unlawful possession of methamphetamine (meth) and unlawful possession of marijuana (pot), both unclassified felonies, punishable by a term of imprisonment from 5-10 years, a fine of up to $20,000, or both; along with 2nd degree assault and felonious restraint, both class D felonies, punishable by imprisonment for up to five years, a fine of up to $5,000, or both. They are also each charged with 3rd degree assault, a class A misdemeanor.

The court established bonds for each of the two defendants at $15,000, with the usual caveats, including not to make any direct or indirect contact with the victim nor any of the government’s witnesses.

The two defendants are scheduled to appear in court next week for their preliminary hearing.

THE AFFIDAVIT

The government claims that on Apr. 9th, 2021, a woman contacted the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) regarding a possible assault case involving two men who allegedly assaulted another man in Tafuna, and requested an investigation regarding the matter.

The victim is a 36-year-old who works as a carpenter at a local construction company on island. A detective of the DPS, Vice and Narcotics Units was assigned as lead investigator in this matter, with assistance from three other police detectives.

According to the affidavit, when detectives arrived at scene, EMS personnel were already there and were assisting the victim. The victim at the time was still breathing but not responsive. The victim was transported by the EMS unit to the LBJ Hospital for further treatment.

Investigators started their investigation by interviewing several witnesses, who were at the scene on the morning when the alleged incident occurred. Witnesses included those who saw a security guard carrying and helping the victim, while another saw two men beating up the victim at the back of the store and identified the two men who allegedly assaulted the victim as Jimmy [Valaau] and Joe [Joseph Ameko].

Another witness interviewed by investigators was at the scene when the alleged incident started. He described the drinking session as beginning at 4:00 pm under a tree located behind the Asian store. It was around 8:30 that evening  that a vehicle parked at the back side of the store, and a man exited the vehicle walking into the store. The man who exited the vehicle was later identified as the victim in this case.

A few moments later, the victim exited the store and made his way to his vehicle. As the victim opened his vehicle’s door, Valaau called out to the victim and asked if he (Valaau) could borrow $20 from him (victim) to buy more beer for them.

According to the witness’ statement, the victim seemed to recognize the voice of the person who called out to him, and he (victim) then made his way over to where Valaau and Ameko were drinking. It was moments later that the two defendant’s started beating the victim up

Three days after the alleged incident, investigators interviewed the victim while he was in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) at the LBJ Hospital.

In his interview with police, the victim described the incident, similar to what one of the witnesses had reported. As to when the beating occurred, the victim said as he was speaking with Valaau, Ameko left the area and went to the store. The victim stated that he did not know the time Amerko returned from the store.

However, he said that while he was speaking with Valaau, he was surprised when Valaau punched him in the face. It was also that time when he felt someone grab the collar of his T-shirt from behind and then punched him from behind.

The victim stated that it was that time when Ameko grabbed his hands while he was lying on the ground and Valaau punched him again. The victim saw Valaau holding a hard piece of wood on his right attempting to strike him.

Ameko then got the hard wood from Valaau and allegedly swung it at the victim hitting the left side of his face. The victim also stated that Ameko also used the hard wood to strangle him with it, and he was in and out consciousness during the assault but eventually was able to move.

The victim also told police that it was during that time when he heard people coming to help him. He then said two men tried to stand him up and walk him to a pick-up before the EMS unit arrived at the scene.

Two days later, Valaau and Ameko were both apprehended and taken into the TPS for further investigation. Before they were transported to the TPS, a body search was conducted on both, with a glass pipe containing white crystalline substance and a small sized baggie containing green leafy substance found on Valaau; while Meko was found with one hand rolled marijuana joint and one cut up straw containing white crystalline substance.

When questioned by investigators, Valaau admitted that he and his friend Ameko assaulted the victim after the victim instructed them that they're making too much noise and they should leave the area before he calls police. Valaau said he punched the victim and his friend Ameko struck the victim’s head with a piece of hard wood.

Ameko also admitted to investigators that he assisted Valaau in assaulting the victim. Furthermore, Ameko also admitted that he used a hard wood to strangle the victim while he was lying on the ground.

When questioned about the drugs, both defendants told investigators they got drugs from a friend. They refused to reveal their friend’s identity.