Full Breakdown
Samson Nacua Avoids Charges in Alleged Car Theft Incident
1/16/2026, 6:12:06 AM
Incident Overview
Samson Nacua, brother of Los Angeles Rams wide receiver Puka Nacua, will not face charges following his arrest last month for allegedly taking a vehicle without the owner's consent. The Los Angeles County Sheriff's Department (LASD) reported that Nacua mistakenly believed he was taking his brother's car, which is similar in model and color to the vehicle owned by Los Angeles Lakers forward Adou Thiero. The incident occurred in December when Nacua and another individual, Trey Rose, were arrested after Thiero's car was tracked to a hotel parking lot in Los Angeles.
Details of the Incident
According to the LASD, both Nacua and Rose had valet parked Thiero's SUV and were inside the hotel when the arrest took place. The sheriff's department clarified that there was no intent to steal, as Nacua thought he was taking his brother's vehicle. The case was submitted for rejection, and Thiero expressed that he did not wish to pursue charges, viewing the situation as an honest mistake.
Background on Samson Nacua
Samson Nacua, 27, has had a varied football career, playing college football at both the University of Utah and Brigham Young University (BYU). He went undrafted in 2022 but has been associated with the practice squads of the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints. Recently, he was drafted by the Birmingham Stallions of the United Football League (UFL) after spending time with the Michigan Panthers and the Pittsburgh Maulers. In 2025, he faced a one-game suspension for an altercation with a fan.
Official Statements & Responses
The LASD confirmed that the case against Nacua was not pursued due to the lack of intent to commit theft. "The victim does not wish to prosecute as well," stated the department. Thiero's decision not to press charges was pivotal in the outcome of the case, as he believed the incident was a misunderstanding.
Criticism & Opposition
While the incident has been framed as a mistake, some critics may question the circumstances surrounding the vehicles' proximity and the ease with which Nacua accessed Thiero's car. The lack of clarity regarding how both vehicles ended up parked near each other remains a point of interest.
What's Next
As Samson Nacua moves forward without charges, he continues to prepare for his role with the Birmingham Stallions in the UFL. Meanwhile, Puka Nacua is gearing up for the Rams' upcoming playoff game against the Chicago Bears, having led the NFL in receptions during the season.
Verbatim Quotes
- “[Samson Nacua] believed the vehicle was his brother’s since his brother has the exact same model vehicle (only a year or two older) and the same color,” — Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department
- “The case was submitted for reject. The victim does not wish to prosecute as well.” — Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department
- “Thiero specifically said he didn’t want to see Samson prosecuted and told deputies he believed the incident was an honest mistake, according to NBC Los Angeles.” — NBC Los Angeles
