Radio New Zealand - Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa

Chief of Staff to American Samoa’s First Lady faces drink driving charges

Posted at 21:04 on 08 June, 2011 UTC

The police in American Samoa have completed their investigation into a car accident which involved a government vehicle.

The Deputy Commissioner of Public Safety, Leseiau Laumoli, told KHJ News, that the driver, Toleafoa Kathryn Tupua, chief of staff to First Lady Maryanne Tulafono was intoxicated.

The crash occurred early on Saturday morning.

Police say the driver will be charged with driving under the influence after she is discharged from the hospital.

The only other passenger in the vehicle was Toleafoa’s husband Tupua Roy Fua.

Toleafoa is a key staffer of the First Lady’s Taitaitama Program, and Boys and Girls Club of American Samoa whose focus is to prevent underage drinking.

Her husband also serves as Director of the Boys and Girls Club.