The Los Angeles Rams are currently preparing themselves for the upcoming divisional round clash. Amid the intensity of competition, wide receiver Puka Nacua’s brother found himself under accusations of being involved in a theft against the Los Angeles Lakers’ forward Adou Thiero. However, the latest judgement unveiled that the first-team All-time pro receiver’s brother won’t be charged for the accusations, as he came up with a considerable explanation.

“[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,” the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department told TMZ.com. “The case was submitted for reject. The victim does not wish to prosecute as well.”

The fresh statement suggested that the incident may not have been intentional. Authorities say it is still unknown why Puka Nacua’s vehicle was at the same location as the car owned by Adou Thiero. However, according to NBC 4 Los Angeles, Trey Rose told police he was unaware the vehicle had been reported stolen.

Samson Nacua was arrested over the weekend in West Hollywood, California, over allegations of stealing a vehicle. According to NBC 4 Los Angeles, the 27-year-old was arrested along with another man, Trey Rose, after they were accused of taking a car without the owner’s permission.

The case picked up even more heat after the officials found out that the vehicle belonged to none other than Adou Thiero, a small forward for the Los Angeles Lakers. Deputies were called to the 1 Hotel in West Hollywood after the vehicle was tracked to that location. Reports say the two men had used valet parking and entered the hotel. After reviewing the hotel security video, deputies identified the suspects and arrested them.

A deeper dive into the case

The case might have received a conclusive verdict from the Sheriff’s department, but the roots of it are quite deeper. Here’s everything to know about the arrest:

When was Samson Nacua arrested, and for what charges?

Samson Nacua was arrested on December 13, 2025, by the Los Angeles County Sheriff’s Department along with 27-year-old Trey Rose. Both were accused of “taking a vehicle without the owner’s consent,” a charge often referred to under California law as joyriding. The arrests came after the vehicle was tracked to the One Hotel parking area.

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Details of the vehicle

The vehicle in question was a newer-model BMW SUV believed to belong to Lakers forward Adou Thiero. It was also equipped with tracking technology, which the Law enforcement used to locate the SUV at the One Hotel on Sunset Boulevard.

Is Samson Nacua a football player?

Samson Nacua played college football at the University of Utah and BYU, catching over 100 passes and tallying more than 1,300 yards in his career. Undrafted in the 2022 NFL Draft, he spent time in training camps with the Indianapolis Colts and New Orleans Saints but did not make a regular-season roster. He has also played in spring leagues such as the USFL and UFL. 

Is the case closed now?

The case appears not to be moving forward as a criminal prosecution now. Law enforcement sources have said that Samson Nacua and Rose were released without formal charges under California Penal Code Section 849(b). Latest updates indicate the Los Angeles Sheriff’s Department may not pursue charges. This is because of the authorities concluded that Nacua may have mistaken the vehicle for his brother’s and that the alleged victim does not wish to press charges.