Maui Police Chief cleared by commission, remains in position

Maui Police Chief John Pelletier has denied serious allegations against him, including claims that he misrepresented himself as a law enforcement officer for Sean "Diddy" Combs. The Maui Police Commission decided not to place him on leave despite a recommendation from Mayor Richard Bissen. Pelletier, who has been the police chief since 2021, is named in a lawsuit filed by Ashley Parham and two others. The lawsuit alleges that Pelletier was involved in a sex trafficking conspiracy and engaged in criminal behavior related to a violent incident in 2018. The commission's decision to keep him in his role was unanimous. Community reactions were mixed before the commission meeting. However, most testimonies in person defended Pelletier, arguing that he should remain in charge of the police department. His lawyer stated that evidence, including bank records and text messages, would prove Pelletier was in Las Vegas when the alleged incidents occurred. The lawsuit claims that Pelletier failed to assist a woman, Parham, who reported a violent assault and even interfered with her attempts to contact law enforcement. After the allegations surfaced, Mayor Bissen urged a thorough investigation to maintain the police department's integrity. Pelletier expressed deep disappointment over the situation. He asserted that he has evidence disproving the claims and emphasized that he was never in part of California where the events were said to have happened. He also mentioned that these allegations have negatively impacted his family's life. Overall, the Maui Police Commission emphasizes the need for a fair process in addressing allegations against law enforcement officers to preserve public trust.