Store owner reports drunk customers open the sushi without buying it

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On December 23, 2024, a store owner called the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) to report that two male individuals were allegedly disturbing the peace and assaulting his employees inside his store.

Both suspects were arrested however only one of the suspect was charged according to the court affidavit,

Stanley Moea’i was charged with:

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

Count 2: Trespass, 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 Dec. 23rd, a store owner contacted the TPS in regards to two unknown male individuals inside his store who allegedly harassed his two female employees.

The officers responded to the call and upon arrival at the scene, they observed two male individuals sitting in front of the store. The officers detained the two males and conducted interviews with the employees of the store.

The officers were familiar with the two suspects and identified them at Stanley Moea’i (suspect #1) and Fuatau Lelenoa (suspect #2). Police officers reported that they detected alcoholic odor emitting from suspect #1 and suspect #2, and both were unable to stand firmly when they were detained.

According to the victim #1, she stated that Moea’i came inside the store threatening their customers and telling them “he’s going to kill them”. She then told suspect #1 to leave the store about four times but he refused and continued to harass other customers walking into the store.

Victim #2 also stated that suspect #2 walked into the store and opened the sushi (seaweed wrapped rice) that was on the counter. She told him not to open the sushi if he’s not buying it but he ignored her and then walked towards her and attempted to kiss her. She stated that she told the suspect “no” about three times before he walked away and continued to open the sushi on the counter.

The two victims then informed the store owner to contact the police for assistance. Upon arrival at the station, the suspects were separated for questioning.

Suspect #2 wasn’t able to cooperate and only admitted to drinking kava at his friend's house.

The officers weren’t able to Mirandize suspect #1 since he was also intoxicated.

Both men were booked and confined at the Tafuna Correctional Facility to await the next available sitting of the District Court.

Stanley Moea’i is identified as a 48-year-old U.S citizen whereas Fuatau Lelenoa is identified as an 18-year-old U.S National.