MAUI (KHON2) — An 11-year veteran with the Maui Police Department has been placed on administrative leave following his arrest for sexual assault in the first degree.
According to MPD, the 48-year-old officer from Kahului had his department credentials and firearm removed until the investigation is complete.
In a statement, Maui Chief of Police John Pelletier emphasized that any MPD employee will be held accountable — both criminally and administratively.
“As Chief, I stand firmly behind the dedicated men and women, both sworn and civilian, who serve our community with integrity and commitment,” Chief Pelletier said.
He added that when officers fall short of the standards, the failures must be addressed with impartiality and integrity.
“Our community deserves accountability,” Chief Pelletier added. “We are taking deliberate steps to reinforce our commitment to fair and equitable law enforcement practices, ensuring that every individual’s rights are upheld.”
MPD said the individual is presumed innocent until proven guilty in a court of law.
The investigation remains ongoing.