Alleged Vailoa-Tai ‘trouble maker’ charged but no word on arrest

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On August 7, 2025, a man contacted the police station and reported an alleged disturbance at a store which involved a minor and a customer.

The customer fled the scene but was later charged with:

Count 1: Trespass, a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of $500, or both imprisonment and fine; and,

Count 2: Public Peace Disturbance, a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of $500, or both.

The defendant’s bail was set at $500.

According to the court affidavit, on August 7th, at approximately 3:08 p.m., a resident of Vailoa-Tai (later identified as the reporter) called the authorities regarding a peace disturbance (PPD) in front of a store. The reporter explained that the store was located in front of his residence and that he knows the alleged suspect because he is well known in their village as a trouble maker. The reporter identified the alleged suspect as Sopa Sianini.

Police officers responded to the call and upon arrival at the scene, they met up with the store cashier (later identified as the victim) who is a 17-year-old minor. The victim briefed the officers regarding what happened. Authorities also found out that the suspect had fled the scene.

According to the victim, he went to the bathroom and had to lock up the store. While he was using the restroom, he heard loud noises coming from outside the store. He viewed the camera footage and saw the suspect kicking and banging on the door entrance of the store. Moreover, he spoke through the camera and demanded that the suspect leave the premises.

However, the suspect continued to yell out profanities. The minor said he informed the suspect that he was going to call the police if he didn’t leave. Moments later, the suspect finally left, but only after he came and chased him away.

After interviewing the minor, the officers were able to retrieve the video footage of the incident. After viewing the footage, the officers interviewed the reporter who witnessed the incident.

According to the reporter, he was at home when he heard loud noises from the front of his house. He went to see what the commotion was and he saw the suspect shouting profanities in front of his house. He then chased the suspect away and called the police. The suspect walked away and left the store.

After the witness/ reporter’s interview, the officers proceeded to locate the suspect. Due to the suspect’s prior run in with the law, the officers were able to easily locate him. The officers approached the suspect at his place of residence where he cooperated.

The suspect met with the officers in front of his house and before coming outside, he asked if this was pertaining to the store in front. The officers requested for the suspect to come talk to them but he stated that he didn’t do anything wrong at the store. The suspect claimed that he wanted to buy a drink but the store was locked. He also mentioned that his uncle (the reporter) came and chased him away. The suspect denied everything.

He was advised by the officers to stay away from the store and not to cause any more trouble.

The Warrant for Arrest and Order to Appear was filed in District Court on August 12, 2025. The affidavit in support of the Criminal Complaint does not say if the defendant was arrested, only that he was charged.

The defendant is identified as a 45-year-old U.S National.