Woman charged with assault claims alleged victim took money from her

By Samoa News staff reporters@samoanews.com Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — On May 6, 2026, police officers in Fagatogo responded to a reported assault at a local business after an employee was allegedly attacked while at work. The suspect was later arrested and charged with: Count 1: Assault in the Third Degree, a class A misdemeanor, punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed one year, a fine of not more than $1,000, or both imprisonment and fine; and, Count 2: Public Peace Disturbance, class B misdemeanor, punishable by a term of imprisonment not to exceed six months, a fine of not more than $500, or both. The defendant was held without bail. According to the court affidavit, police officers were dispatched to the scene at approximately 11:21 a.m. after receiving a report that an employee had been punched inside an establishment. Responding officers arrived several minutes later and observed the victim in an emotionally distressed state. Police stated the victim was crying continuously, shaking, and appeared visibly upset as officers began their investigation. Investigators reported that the victim explained she had just completed her work duties and was standing near an ATM machine inside the store when she was suddenly struck on the left side of her face with a closed fist. The unexpected blow reportedly left the victim dizzy and disoriented. Authorities stated the suspect immediately fled the store following the incident, prompting employees who witnessed the altercation to contact emergency services. Officers at the scene offered medical assistance to the victim; however, the victim declined treatment at that time. Police also photographed the injuries allegedly sustained during the incident. Court filings stated that visible bruising was observed near the victim’s left eye and facial area. During the course of the investigation, officers reviewed surveillance footage from cameras located inside the business. According to investigators, the footage captured the assault and was later collected as evidence as part of the criminal investigation. Police identified Francine Laulu as the defendant. Witnesses at the scene reportedly provided officers with a description of the defendant’s clothing and information regarding the direction in which she fled after the incident. Authorities then searched the surrounding Fagatogo area in an effort to locate the defendant. Court documents stated that officers eventually found Ms. Laulu standing near the waterfront area behind a nearby building. She was taken into custody without further incident and transported to the Fagatogo Police Station (FPS) for questioning. The officers also noted that Laulu appeared to have difficulty writing while at the station. Investigators therefore conducted a verbal interview regarding the alleged assault. During questioning, police stated that Laulu allegedly admitted to punching the victim because she believed money had been taken from her pocket. Court filings further noted that officers believed the defendant may have been under medical care or medication at the time of the incident. Investigators referenced a separate police matter from the previous week in which Laulu had reportedly been transported to LBJ Tropical Medical Center for medical attention. Following the investigation, Laulu was formally booked and later transported to the Tafuna Correctional Facility, where she remained confined pending the next available court sitting. The defendant is identified as a 33-year old U.S National. The affidavit was filed in the District Court on May 7, 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
2026-05-26 17:20:02