Couple arrested in northern Utah, boyfriend had 3 active warrants against him

DUCHESNE COUNTY, Utah ( ABC4 ) — A couple was arrested in Duchesne County on Friday, July 12, after detectives were informed a fugitive may have been in the Fruitland area to avoid authorities.

Pohiva Fatafehi and his girlfriend Meliame Angilau were arrested and originally booked into the Duchesne County Jail on multiple charges including theft, forgery, and drug charges, as well as Fatafehi’s warrants.

Fatafehi had three active statewide warrants out for his arrest when he was taken into custody including burglary and kidnapping charges from an incident in Springville, according to a press release from the Duchesne County Sheriff’s Office .

After officials with the Duchesne County Sheriff’s Office received information about Fatafehi possibly staying in Fruitland, detectives spoke with residents in the area and were able to locate the property he was reportedly staying on.

The Duchesne County Sheriff’s Office did not immediately disclose how long Fatafehi and Angilau had been staying on the property in Fruitland.

Officials arrested the couple “without incident” and found methamphetamine, drug paraphernalia, forgery equipment, and identification documents belonging to other people in their possession.

Both Fatafehi and Angilau were taken to the Duchesne County jail, but Fatafehi was later transported to the Utah County Jail by the Springville Police Department for the burglary and kidnapping charges.

“This case is [an] example of the Duchesne County Sheriff’s Office’s ongoing effort to protect the citizens of Duchesne County, and the Uintah Basin,” the sheriff’s office said in the press release.

Charges are allegations only. All arrested persons are presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty beyond a reasonable doubt.

For the latest news, weather, sports, and streaming video, head to ABC4 Utah.