Tax dispute leads to family confrontation

By Samoa News staff reporters@samoanews.com Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On April 20, 2026, a victim of an alleged assault walked into the Leone Police Substation (LPS) along with his wife and two kids to report an incident that occurred in Sogi, Leone. The defendant, Sa'e Sa’e, was later charged with: Count 1: Private Peace Disturbance (DV), a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine not to exceed $300, or both imprisonment and fine; Count 2: Assault in the Third Degree (DV) (As a Class C Misd.), a class C misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to fifteen days, a fine not to exceed $300, or both; and, Count 3: Assault in the Third Degree (DV) ( A class A Misd.), a class A misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to one year, a fine not more than one year, or both. The defendant was held without bail. According to the court affidavit, upon arrival at LPS by a man accompanied by his wife and two children to report an assault, Emergency Medical Services (EMS) personnel were contacted immediately after officers observed visible injuries on the man/ victim. EMS personnel treated him at the station before later releasing him. The victim told the authorities that the incident began shortly after he and his mother-in-law returned home from handling tax-related paperwork earlier that day. When they arrived back at the residence, his brother-in-law, who reportedly resides in the village of Amaluia, was already at the home. The conversation between the two men soon turned into an argument involving tax returns and employment issues connected to the American Samoa Power Authority Solid Waste Division, where both men reportedly worked. The victim explained that he had worked for ASPA Solid Waste for approximately one year and six months. However, when he received his W-2 tax form, he reportedly noticed that his tax return was significantly lower than expected. He then attempted to explain to his brother-in-law how the payroll and tax deduction process worked at the company, particularly regarding the probationary period for new employees before taxes are formally deducted from wages. Police say the defendant, who had reportedly worked at the company for only about six months, disagreed with the explanation being provided and became upset during the discussion. The argument quickly escalated when the defendant allegedly began swinging at the victim and repeatedly punched him in the face with a closed fist. The victim claimed that he walked away from the confrontation in an effort to avoid further violence, especially because his children were present at the home during the incident. However, the defendant followed the victim through the house and continued assaulting him even as he attempted to leave the area. The victim sustained multiple injuries during the altercation, including swelling, bruising, and scratches beneath his left eye, as well as abrasions to both elbows and both knees. The victim reportedly also informed officers that this was not the first violent incident to occur within the household, suggesting that tensions between family members may have existed prior to the latest confrontation. Later that same day, officers located the defendant at the family residence in Sogi, Leone. Police apprehended him without further incident and transported him to the LPS for questioning. The defendant was Mirandized where he acknowledged and agreed to provide a verbal statement regarding the incident. The defendant admitted arguing with his brother-in-law over taxes and acknowledged becoming angry during the conversation. He told the officers that he did not like the way the victim spoke to him during the discussion, which caused him to begin physically assaulting him. Following the interview, authorities booked the defendant and transported him to the Tafuna Correctional Facility, where he remained confined pending his appearance before the District Court. The matter is now before the court for further proceedings. The defendant is identified as a 31-year-old U.S National. The affidavit was filed in the District Court on April 21, 2026. As with all criminal cases, the allegations outlined in court filings remain accusations at this stage, and the defendant is presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty in a court of law. [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.] Section: Local News Tags: court report
2026-05-13 17:30:28