Two charged with theft of taro and coconuts from Puapua plantation

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On September 12, 2025, a man called the Leone Police Substation (LPS) and reported two men for allegedly stealing from his plantation.

Both suspects fled the scene but were later charged with:

Count 1: Stealing, a class C felony punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed seven years, a fine of not more than $5,000, or an amount equal to twice the amount of gain from the commission of the crime up to a maximum of $20,000, or both imprisonment and fine; and,

Count 2 & 3: Trespass, a class B misdemeanor punishable by a term of imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of $500, or both.

The defendants’ bail was set at $5,000 each.

Court records indicate that on Sept 12th, at approximately 6:15 a.m., Andrew Saleutogi (suspect #1) and Sone Wlison (suspect #2) took several taro and young coconuts (niu) without permission from the plantation owner (victim) in Puapua.

At the same time, a witness observed both men concealing themselves in the plantation while the victim was preparing to mow his lawn. The witness confronted the men and photographed one of the suspects. The suspects fled, taking the bags of taro and coconuts. The witness told the victim of the incident, who recommended waiting for the police before proceeding due to his being frightened with the ongoing incidents in their neighborhood.

At around 2:59 p.m., the victim contacted the LPS to report the matter. Police responded to the call and upon arrival, observed that the victim appeared frustrated and scared. The victim was interviewed while other officers photographed the scene and some of the damage to the plantation.

According to the victim, he had never considered that this would happen to his property. He stated that his neighbors often told him that these individuals have been stealing from their plantations. The victim mentioned that he had been taking care of his plantation to supply the school lunch program until these individuals began stealing taro and niu.

Moreover, the victim explained that upon receiving a call from the witness, he became angry and rushed home to his plantation. He also informed the witness not to do anything until the police arrived. When he arrived at his plantation, the witness explained everything and showed him a photo of one of the suspects. The victim then contacted one of their neighbors, updated them on what happened, and shared the picture of the suspect taken by the witness.

The neighbor then confirmed that the individual “always walked around in the neighborhood in the middle of the night and that he had contacted the police for assistance before.”

The witness was also interviewed, and he stated that “while preparing to mow his lawn, he noticed two individuals standing in line with coconut trees.” As he approached them, both ducked and hid in the plantation. He then confronted them and was able to photograph one of the men.

Both suspects fled, taking the bags of taros and coconuts. He later informed the victim and explained what had happened. The witness also showed the officers a photo of one of the suspects, and the officers were later able to identify suspect #1 as Andrew Saleutogi.

The investigation later revealed that both suspects are known in the area for their involvement in multiple thefts and trespassing.

After interviewing both parties, the officers left to locate the suspects, but their efforts were unsuccessful.

The following day, another neighbor in the same area called the authorities and stated that they had caught one of the suspects. When the officers arrived, the neighbor pointed out where suspect #1 was located.

Andrew Saleutogi (suspect #1) was interviewed at the scene and willingly admitted that Sone Wilson (suspect #2) had stolen the taro from the victim’s plantation.

Saleutogi claimed it wasn’t him who was with suspect #2, but someone who looked like him. He was apprehended and transported to the LPS for further investigation.

Suspect #1 was Mirandized upon arrival at the station and refused to cooperate. He was later booked and confined at the Tafuna Correctional Facility, to await the next available sitting of the District Court.

The victim later confirmed that approximately 50-100 taros and about 20 coconuts had been taken, valued at more than $100 based on market value.

Saleutogi is identified as a 25-year-old citizen of Samoa, whereas Sone Wilson is identified as a 22-year-old U.S national.

The affidavit does not state if Sone Wilson has since been arrested — although he has been charged.