Husband reports wife for alleged PPD and assault

Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On November 15, 2025, a man contacted the Tafuna Police Substation (TPS) and reported that his wife was allegedly causing a disturbance and had also assaulted him.

The suspect was later arrested and charged with:

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

Count 2: Assault in the Third Degree (DV), a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, a fine not to exceed $1,000, or both.

The defendant was held without bail.

According to court records — Affidavit, Warrant for Arrest & Order to Appear — filed in the District Court, November 17, 2025, a woman called the TPS on November 15, 2025 and reported that a woman was allegedly causing a disturbance and instigating a fight with her husband.

At the same time, another individual (later identified as the suspect's husband) contacted the station to report the suspect causing trouble at home.

Police officers responded to the call and upon arrival made contact with the second reporter (the suspect's husband). The officers also observed the suspect causing trouble inside the house and yelling at her husband.

The suspect then walked out of the house where the officers tried to interview her, but she refused to comply. The officers observed the suspect to be intoxicated due to her demeanor and strong alcohol odor.

The suspect was apprehended and transported to the police station. She was later identified as Esther Puletofi.

The officers contacted the suspect's husband and interviewed him regarding the incident. According to the suspect's husband, Esther left the house around 7:00 a.m. and went to the store, returning with a 12-pack of beer. He left and went to sleep while his wife was drinking inside the house.

Later, he was awakened when his wife started shouting and swearing at him. The suspect also tried to punch him, and he attempted to stop her, but she eventually punched him in the mouth. He further told the officers that 4 of the 12-pack were left from the suspect's beers.

In addition, the suspect's husband stated that he tried to calm the suspect, but she continued causing a disturbance, and that’s when he contacted the TPS to report his wife.

Two witnesses were also interviewed regarding the incident.

According to witness #1, "she heard her wall banging and people shouting profanities from the next room". The witness noted that the couple next door to her are the only ones who drink alcohol where they live. On the other hand, Witness #2 stated that she saw the couple arguing, and the suspect punched her husband while yelling and shouting profanities. She claimed that she saw the suspect's husband trying to stop his wife from causing a disturbance.

Following the interviews, the authorities transported the suspect to the TPS, where she continued to yell. The officers attempted to Mirandize the suspect, but she refused to comply.

The suspect was booked and transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility for confinement, to await the next available sitting of the District Court.

The defendant is identified as a 32-year-old U.S national.

[Editor’s Note: An affidavit is a written statement confirmed by oath or affirmation for use as evidence in court. It is not a court decision. Under local law, defendants are considered innocent until proven guilty by the court. ra]