Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On March 13, 2026, Soofa Belford (the defendant) caused a disturbance at a residence in Iliili where victim #1 was temporarily staying.

He was later arrested and charged:

Count 1 & 2: Private Peace Disturbance (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine not more than $300, or both imprisonment and fine;

Count 3 & 4: Assault in the Third Degree (As a C Misd.) (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine not more than $300, or both;

Count 5: Assault in the Third Degree, ( Class A Misd.) (DV), a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of not more than $1,000, or both; and,

Count 6, 7, 8 & 9: Property Damage In the Third Degree (DV), a class B misdemeanor punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to six months, a fine not to exceed $500, or both.

No bail was indicated in the court affidavit.

During the incident, according to the affidavit, Mr. Belford arrived at the residence and called out for victim #1 to come outside. When victim #1 refused to exit the residence, the defendant became aggressive and armed himself with a pipe.

Belford then attempted to strike victim #1 with the pipe; however, victim #1 was able to avoid being struck by quickly retreating inside the residence and securing the door. Immediately following the attempted assault, Belford redirected his aggression toward property belonging to victim #1.

Using the pipe, Belford forcefully struck and shattered the rear window of victim #1’s vehicle, causing significant damage.

By the time responding officers arrived on the scene; Belford had already fled the area and could not be located.

At approximately 07:46 a.m later that same morning, the defendant continued his course of conduct by proceeding to a second residence in Iliili belonging to victim #2.

Upon arrival at the second location, the defendant again engaged in disorderly and destructive behavior. While still in possession of the same pipe, the defendant used it to smash both the rear window and the right-side window of victim #2’s vehicle. The damage was extensive, with broken glass dispersed across the driveway and surrounding area, indicating repeated and forceful strikes.

Officers responded to the second location and, upon arrival, observed the damaged vehicle consistent with the reported incident. Officers made contact with victim #2, who appeared distressed and concerned for her safety and the safety of her family.

Victim #2 reported that earlier that morning, she received a phone call from Victim #1 advising that the defendant had gone to the first residence, attempted to assault her with a pipe, and damaged her vehicle. Victim #1 further warned that Belford might come to the second residence and cause further harm or damage.

Victim #2 stated that shortly after receiving this warning, Belford arrived at her residence and began damaging her vehicle as described. During this incident, Belford directed explicit and violent threats towards Victim #1, stating that if she did not return home, he would locate her and slit her throat with a machete.

This statement caused victim #2 to fear for the life and safety of victim #1.

In addition to the threats made toward victim #1, Belford also directed threats at victim #2. Belford stated that if victim #1 also refused to return home, he would come back and burn down the residence. He further stated that anyone who attempted to stop him would also be harmed.

These statements placed victim #2 in reasonable fear for her personal safety and the safety of others present at the residence.

After making these threats and causing damage to the vehicle, the defendant fled the scene prior to police arrival. Officers conducted an area search for the defendant but were unable to locate him at that time.

Victim #1 was later contacted and transported to the station for further interview.

During the interview, victim #1 stated that she and the defendant, her husband, had been involved in a verbal argument approximately two days prior to the incident. Victim #1 reported that during the prior argument, Belford had made threats to physically harm her, including threatening to strike her with a bat.

Victim #1 further stated that on March 12, 2026, she went to work during the afternoon hours and completed her shift around midnight. Due to her fear that the defendant might carry out his threats, she chose not to return to their shared residence and instead stayed at the residence where the initial incident occurred.

At approximately 03:00 a.m., on March 13, 2026, Belford arrived at that residence and called out for victim #1 to come outside. When she refused, he attempted to strike her with a pipe but was unsuccessful. He then damaged her vehicle before leaving the area and later continuing his actions at the second residence.

The defendant’s actions demonstrated a continuous course of conduct involving attempted physical violence, intentional property damage, and explicit threats of serious bodily harm and arson directed toward family members.

It was not indicated in the affidavit if the defendant has been arrested at the time the court documents were filed.

The defendant is a 31-year-old U.S National.

The affidavit was filed in the District Court on March 16, 2026.

[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.]