Assault of a minor comprised alleged beating and cutting his hair

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On July 10, 2025, a mother and her 17-year-old son (later identified as the victim) walked into the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) to report an alleged assault.

Two men were later charged with:

Count 1: Assault in the Third Degree, a class A misdemeanor punishable by a term of imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of $1,000, or both imprisonment and fine;

Count 2: Endangering the Welfare of a Child, a class A misdemeanor punishable by a term of imprisonment for up to one year, a fine of $1,000, or both; and,

Count 3: Public Peace Disturbance, a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of $500, or both.

The defendants’ bail was set at $3,000.

Court records revealed that on July 10th, at around 11:30 p.m., a woman and her son (victim) filed a report at TPS against Emmit Kalio and Lee Foluena (aka Paonoui Tolovale). An officer was assigned to the case and an interview of the victim was conducted.

According to the victim, he was walking with his friend to go to the store when Kalio stopped him because he was playing music on his speaker. The victim explained that Kalio grabbed him by his shirt and slapped him three times in the face, and Foluena jumped in and punched him countless times — to where he was on the ground fighting for his life. His friend ran away out of fear.

The victim claimed that Foluena also kicked him a few times in the stomach and the beating went on for about three to five minutes. Foluena then held him down while Kalio used an object to cut his hair.

The victim further stated that when he was able to escape from the suspects, he ran straight to tell his mother and she brought him to the TPS to file a report regarding the assault.

Police officers proceeded to locate both suspects in Iliili. Kalio was located at his residence and was notified regarding an alleged complaint filed against him. He was transported to the TPS for further investigation.

The officers proceeded to locate Foluena but the attempts were unsuccessful.

Upon arrival at the police station, Kalio was Mirandized to which he understood and agreed to provide a statement regarding the allegations against him.

Kalio claimed that the victim is always playing his loudspeaker. He stopped him and addressed the problem. Kalio admitted that after telling the victim off, he slapped him once and cut his hair with a pair of scissors. Kalio also stated that he didn't know from where Foluena came.

However, Kalio claimed that Foluena told him that “he heard noises from his house of someone getting beaten up”.

The affidavit also stated that Kalio was released to await a warrant, and Foluena was still at large.

The victim sustained a swollen right eye; while red marks were observed on his facial area and neck, and his upper lip was swollen.

The victim also informed the authorities that he fears for his life because they live in the same village with the suspects. It was later revealed that the victim is a minor.

Emmit Su’a-Kalio is identified as a 31-year old U.S National.

Lee Foluena is a 37-year-old man. His citizenship was not identified.