Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — A young man from Leone accused of stealing from one of his neighbor’s was arrested by police.

Kirisimasi Lelea’i made his initial appearance in Tuesday of this week. He is charged with  second degree burglary, a class C felony, punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to seven years, a fine of up to $5,000, or both; along with one found of stealing, one count of trespass and one count of third degree property damage, all class A misdemeanors, punishable by a term of imprisonment of up to one year, a fine of up to $1,000, or both.

Bail is set at $5,000.

THE CASE

On the morning of June 2nd, 2021, two police officers responded to a call in Leone regarding a possible burglary at a residence in the area. Officers arrived and spoke to a man, who was later identified as the victim in this case.

The victim stated to officers that after prepping stuff for the store where he works, he went back to where he stays to check on his house. And, when he opened the door, he saw a male individual in his home. The male was later identified as Kirisimasi Lelea’i, the defendant in this matter.

The victim told officers that Lelea’i was going through his suitcase and clothing basket. He also stated that as soon as he saw the defendant, Lelea’i jumped into a makeshift shower and attempted to make an escape. But due to the shower area not having any windows, Lelea’i barged out of the shower and went to the broken window by which he had entered and fled the scene.

The victim stated that the only missing property in his house was his pocket wallet (card holder), which held his immigration ID, social security card, health card, and his ATM card. He then pointed investigators to where Lelea’i stayed, which was the house located right behind his residence.

Investigators approached the neighboring residence to where they located a male individual and that victim confirmed  that the male was Lelea’i, the defendant in this matter. Lelea’i was immediately apprehended and transported to the Leone Police Substation (LPS) for further investigation.

Lelea’i provided a verbal statement to investigators regarding the incident after he was Mirandized. He confirmed what the victim had told investigators, including that he had planned the burglary and was shocked to see the victim open the door of his house while he was still inside.