Man charged with break-in at DYWA building for the second time

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On February 25, 2023, the Fagatogo Police Station (FPS) received a call to report an unknown male who allegedly broke into the Department of Youth and Women’s Affair (DYWA) in Pago Pago.

Joseph Aetonu was apprehended and charged with Count 1: 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 affidavit, on February 25, at about 1:57 pm Kovati Tuiasosopo called the FPS requesting police assistance regarding an unknown man who had broken into the DYWA building in Pago Pago. Police officers responded to the call and later approached an unknown male later identified as the reporter (Tuiasososopo). The reporter briefed the officers regarding the matter.

According to Tuiasososopo, he went to check up on the facility at about 1:30 pm, and as he went inside, he saw a guy roaming around inside the gym and when this person saw him standing outside he ran towards the storage room.

He also stated that the rear door of the building was allegedly damaged by the defendant, which appeared to be a point of entry.

The affidavit further stated that nothing was stolen.

When police arrived at the scene, police officers walked towards the storage room in search of the unknown defendant. One of the officers walked up to the shelves and found the unknown defendant who was later identified as Joseph Aetonu, hiding behind tires.

The defendant was apprehended and transported to FPS for further investigation.

Upon arrival at FPS, the defendant was Mirandized.

The defendant was later booked and transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility for confinement awaiting the next sitting of the District Court.

Note: This is the second incident involving Joseph Aetonu where he  was said to unlawfully enter the DYWA building in Pago Pago.

The defendant is identified as a 33 year-old, U.S National.