Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — An affidavit filed on November 3, 2025 with the District Court states that a victim called the Leone Police Substation (LPS) after her husband allegedly assaulted her in the presence of their children.

The suspect was later charged with:

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

Count 2: Private Peace Disturbance, a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine of not more $300, or both.

Bail of $800 was set for the defendant.

(Samoa News has not used the names of those involved in the case due to protect the identity of the victim and her children.)

According to the court affidavit, on October 30, 2025, woman (later identified as the victim) called the LPS regarding her husband (later identified as the suspect), who was allegedly yelling inside the house and punching the tables in their home.

Police officers responded to the call and, upon arrival at the scene, met with the victim/ reporter, who briefed them on what happened.

The victim stated that her husband was drinking in front of their neighbor’s house and after the drinking session, the suspect came home and started to cause a disturbance by yelling and punching the tables while the kids were inside the house.

The victim also noted a previous incident that occurred on Oct 29, 2025, when her husband came home and confronted her about having an affair with another man.

The victim explained that she told the suspect that she did not know what he was talking about. She continued that the suspect then backhanded her, which landed on her chest and caused her to fall backwards. The victim further stated that this has been an ongoing matter in their family and that some of the incidents were never reported.

The victim claimed that the suspect is suicidal, and she was worried he might do something.

After the victim’s interview, the officers proceeded to the suspect’s house to locate him. Upon arrival at the residence, they saw the suspect walking by their house, where upon he was apprehended and transported to the station for further investigation.

The officers also advised the victim to find a place to stay since she lives with the suspect’s family. According to the officers’ observation, the suspect’s family was mad at the victim.

The victim requested to be moved to her daughter’s husband’s home in Fogagogo.

Upon arrival at the station, the suspect was Mirandized, to which he understood and agreed to provide a statement.

The suspect claimed that he “did not lay a hand on his wife”.

The suspect was booked and confined at the Tafuna Correctional Facility, to await the next available District Court sitting.

The defendant is identified as a 39-year-old citizen of Samoa.

[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.]