Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On April 3, 2025, a concerned mother of a minor walked into the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) to file a report against her ex-husband alleging he assaulted their daughter.

The suspect was later charged with:

Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine of $300, or both imprisonment and fine;

Count 2: Assault in the Third Degree (DV), a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of up to $1,000, or both; and,

Count 3: Endangering the Welfare of a Child (DV), a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.

The defendant’s bail was set at $2,000.

(Samoa News has withheld the names of those involved to protect the identity of the minor.)

On Apr. 3rd, at around 8:30 a.m., a mother (later identified as the victim’s mother) walked into the TPS to report a matter regarding her daughter (later identified as a minor and victim) and her father.

The authorities took a statement from the victim’s mother, who alleged that her ex-husband (suspect) had assaulted their daughter (victim).

The mother stated that on the date of the incident (Apr. 1, 2025) her daughter came home after being dropped off. She noticed that her daughter presented redness and swelling on her left leg, on her inner thigh just above her knee. She immediately took photos of the victim’s injuries and asked her how she sustained them.

The victim’s mother stated that the victim said that her father (suspect) had slapped her while they were in his car.

The victim was also interviewed in the presence of her mother. According to the victim, on the day of the incident, her father (suspect) was driving her to drop her back off at her mother’s place. While driving, the suspect proceeded to ask her questions pertaining to her mother and what she asked regarding him.

She said that upon answering his questions her father became angry and suddenly slammed on his vehicle brakes and yelled at her. He then slapped her “really hard” on her leg once with an open hand, and she felt pain in her leg, including a burning sensation and numbness. Upon arriving home, her mother noticed the redness on her left leg.

The victim’s mother stated that upon receiving the information from her daughter, she took her to the Child Protective Services (CPS) on Apr. 2nd, for an assessment. At that time, she was notified that intervention would not be possible until a formal complaint was filed against that suspect in the matter.

On Apr. 8th, the suspect went to the TPS to file a separate complaint against his ex-wife. Upon arrival, he was informed of the allegations reported by his ex-wife, concerning the alleged assault of their daughter.

The authorities asked the suspect whether he would agree to an interview on the matter and informed him that he was not under arrest. The suspect was notified of the allegations against him and he was also made aware that he was free to leave at any point during the interview.

The suspect was Mirandized in which he acknowledged and agreed to waive his rights. The suspect agreed to provide both a verbal and written statement.

According to the suspect, on the date of the incident, he was on his way with his daughter to drop her off at her mother’s house. He asked the victim to be honest with him about what her mother tells her about him.

The suspect stated that the victim’s responses were to the following questions: 1) Does your dad hit you? 2) Does he touch you in places? 3) Where does he take you? 4) Are you safe? and, 5) Who are you with?

The suspect said that he told the victim not to lie to him which resulted in him slapping her leg for disciplinary reasons.

On Apr. 9th, at about 8:30 a.m., authorities contacted CPS regarding the victim and her mother’s visit on Apr. 1st.

The officers spoke with the case worker who confirmed the visit and further stated that the victim did present redness and a bit of swelling on her left leg. The case worker also mentioned that she advised the victim’s mother that a formal complaint with DPS would need to be filed before CPS could begin an assessment in the matter. She also informed the officers that the victim’s mother and the suspect have shared custody of the victim.

During the investigation in this matter, it was brought to the officers’ attention that the victim’s mother had obtained a Temporary Civil Protection Order against her ex-husband from the High Court of American Samoa, Family, Drug, and Alcohol Court Division. The order prohibited the suspect from having any visitation with the victim, among other conditions.

The defendant is identified as a 34-year-old U.S Citizen.