ASNAP client upset when told to go home and get his ID before he can get his benefits

By Samoa News staff reporters@samoanews.com Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On June 11, 2026, a woman contacted the Fagatogo Police Station (FPS) and reported that an individual was allegedly causing a disturbance at the ASNAP office in Utulei. The defendant was later arrested and charged with Count 1: Public Peace Disturbance, a class B misdemeanor punishable by imprisonment for up to six months, a fine of not more than $500, or both imprisonment and fine. The defendant was held without bail. According to the court affidavit, the incident occurred shortly before noon. Police stated that at approximately 11:35 a.m., the FPS received a telephone call from an ASNAP employee requesting immediate assistance. The caller reported that an individual was creating a disturbance in the ASNAP parking lot by yelling loudly, screaming at customers, and using offensive language that could be heard throughout the area. Upon police arrival, they met with an ASNAP employee who directed officers to the defendant, who was standing on the opposite side of the parking lot. The employee informed officers that the defendant had come to the office earlier that morning to collect his food stamp benefits. However, according to the employee, he was informed by staff that he would not be able to receive his benefits because he did not have the required identification with him. Investigators alleged that after receiving the news, the defendant became visibly upset and exited the building. Once outside, his frustration allegedly escalated into loud shouting and disorderly behavior that quickly drew the attention of customers and employees. Police were told that the defendant began yelling at individuals in the parking lot, including a woman who had just arrived and was searching for a place to park her vehicle. Witnesses stated that the defendant used offensive language while confronting the woman and continued shouting loudly enough for numerous people waiting outside the ASNAP office to hear. Dozens of customers were gathered under a tent outside the building awaiting services when the disturbance occurred. ASNAP employees told officers that customers appeared uncomfortable. According to the ASNAP staff, the defendant's behavior became increasingly disruptive and they were concerned that the situation could escalate further. As a result, staff requested that law enforcement remove him from the property so business operations could continue safely. Officers approached the defendant and instructed him to leave the ASNAP compound, which according to police, the defendant refused to do — despite being given several opportunities to leave voluntarily. Moreover, the officers repeated their instructions multiple times but the defendant continued refusing to leave the premises. After determining that voluntary compliance was unlikely, officers placed the defendant under arrest without further incident. He was handcuffed and transported to the FPS, where he was processed and booked on the alleged offense. Police noted that while the defendant was being booked, he voluntarily made statements regarding the incident without being questioned. According to the defendant, he acknowledged that he had gone to ASNAP to collect his food stamp benefits but was turned away because he failed to bring identification. He allegedly admitted that he became upset after employees instructed him to return home and retrieve the required identification. The defendant also reportedly admitted confronting a woman who had entered the parking lot while searching for a parking space. However, he denied using profanity or insulting language toward the woman, maintaining that he merely told her she could not park in that area. After completing the booking process, officers transported the defendant to the Tafuna Correctional Facility, where he was confined pending his initial appearance before the District Court. Following the defendant's transfer, investigators returned to the ASNAP office to conduct additional interviews with witnesses. The employee who initially contacted police explained that the defendant's loud behavior and repeated shouting prompted staff to request police assistance. She told officers that the defendant had been yelling profanities in the parking lot and causing enough of a disturbance that employees feared it would continue disrupting customers seeking government services. The employee further advised police that, in her opinion, the defendant appeared to suffer from mental health issues. She reportedly described him as someone who frequently spends time around the ASNAP building, often singing, dancing, and entertaining himself in public. She explained that staff members had become familiar with his behavior over time. Investigators also interviewed the female motorist who was allegedly confronted by the defendant. According to her statement, she had arrived at ASNAP to collect her EBT benefits and was driving through the parking lot searching for an available parking space. After parking her vehicle near the rear portion of the lot, the defendant allegedly approached her and insisted that she could not park there. The woman stated that she chose not to respond because she believed the defendant suffered from mental health issues and did not want to escalate the situation. She exited her vehicle and walked toward the ASNAP building without speaking to him. As she walked away, however, she told investigators the defendant allegedly shouted insults and profanities in her direction. Although she continued walking without responding, she said the remarks were loud enough for others nearby to hear. Police also learned from ASNAP employees that the incident was not an isolated occurrence. The employees also informed investigators that the defendant has allegedly caused disturbances at the office on previous occasions while attempting to collect his food stamp benefits. Staff members stated that similar incidents have occurred in the past and expressed concern that the behavior has become a recurring problem whenever the defendant visits the facility. The case is now pending before the District Court. The defendant is identified as a 65-year-old male. The affidavit was filed in the District Court on June 12, 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
2026-06-30 17:56:56