The two daily newspapers in Tahiti report that an investigation has been opened into an alleged rape of a young woman by the consular representative of the United States in French Polynesia.
The reports say Christopher Kozely, has been questioned after a 17-year-old woman lodged the complaint a few days ago.
Mr Kozely was briefly held but is free pending further investigations.
He has been the US consular agent for two years and runs a business in Tahiti.
His status does not give him diplomatic immunity.
