The Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department is asking local prosecutors to reject a vehicular theft case against the brother of NFL star Puka Nacua after determining the alleged larceny was simply an honest mistake.
Samson Nacua, 27, and another man, 27-year-old Trey Rose, were arrested last month for allegedly stealing an SUV belonging to an NBA player, Los Angeles Lakers forward Adou Thiero.
But as deputies have since told NBC Los Angeles, Samson and Rose never intended to take Thiero’s car without his consent. Rather, Samson believed he was taking an SUV belonging to his brother Puka, a star receiver for the Los Angeles Rams.
Deputies told NBC Los Angeles that Thiero and Puka’s vehicles are the same make and model, although the NFL star’s is a few years older.
It’s not clear why Thiero and Puka parked their vehicles near each other or how Samson was able to access the Lakers forward’s car.
Deputies told NBC Los Angeles they’ve spoken to everyone involved and have asked the LA County Attorney’s office to reject formal charges against Samson and Rose. 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.
Samson Nacua was arrested for taking a car that didn’t belong to him, but LA deputies now believe he intended to take his brother’s SUV, which happens was the same make and model
Puka Nacua led the NFL in receptions in 2025 as the Rams reached the playoffs once again
Lakers forward Adou Thiero did not want to see Samson Nacua charged over the incident
The Daily Mail has reached out to Sheriff’s deputies and to the LA County Attorney’s Office for further information.
The make and model of the two SUVs have not been revealed, but Puka does have pictures of himself on Instagram with a Genesis GV70 and also has an endorsement deal with Toyota.
Samson’s arrest came at a difficult moment for Puka, who was fined $25,000 that same week for criticizing NFL officials. He also appeared on a Kick video with streamers Adin Ross and N3on, both of whom encouraged Puka to practice an antisemitic touchdown dance. The routine involved Puka rubbing his hands together in what many viewed as a degrading portrayal of Jewish people.
Puka later apologized over the incident.
The good news for Samson now comes as Puka and the Rams are preparing for Sunday’s divisional-round playoff game against the Chicago Bears.
Puka Nacua led the NFL this season with 129 receptions and ranked second with 1,715 receiving yards on the year.
Samson also played wide receiver at BYU, as Puka did, but went undrafted in 2022 and never made an active 53-man NFL roster. He has, however, been on the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints’ practice squads, and also played in several other leagues like the USFL and UFL.
Currently Samson plays for the UFL’s Birmingham Stallions.
