Following Maui Mayor Richard Bissen’s call for Maui County Police Chief John Pelletier to take administrative leave — a call prompted by a civil suit naming Pelletier as a co-conspirator in a criminal enterprise run by rapper Sean “Diddy” Combs — the chief denied the allegations and rejected the mayor’s request as “premature and unjust.”

What You Need To Know

  • The suit was filed in U.S. District Court in Northern California on Friday by Ashley Parham and two unnamed plaintiffs. One of a dozen defendants named, Pelletier, then a Las Vegas Police Department is alleged to have managed security for Combs’ so-called safe houses in Las Vegas

  • On Monday, Maui Mayor Richard Bissen transmitted a letter to Maui Police Commission chair Stacey Moniz recommending that the commission place Pelletier on administrative leave pending further investigation 

  • On Tuesday, Pelletier issued a statement calling the allegations “completely false” and chafing at Bissen’s request

The suit was filed in U.S. District Court in Northern California on Friday by Ashley Parham and two unnamed plaintiffs. The plaintiffs allege that Pelletier, then a Las Vegas Police Department officer and one of a dozen named defendants, managed security for Combs’ so-called Las Vegas safe houses.

According to the suit, Pelletier, posing as a sheriff, intervened with local police to quash Parham’s attempt to report being gang raped at the hands of Combs and his associates. He is also accused of kidnapping and transporting the two unidentified plaintiffs, a mother and son, for Combs.

On Monday, Bissen transmitted a letter to Maui Police Commission chair Stacey Moniz recommending that the commission place Pelletier on administrative leave pending further investigation and requesting the commission conduct its own independent review rather than wait for the resolution of the federal case.

“While the allegations in the amended complaint remain unproven, they are serious in nature and involve claims of alleged criminal conduct,” wrote Bissen, a former circuit court judge. “As with any such legal matter, due process must be observed, but the existence of these allegations alone presents concerns regarding public trust and the effective functioning of the department.”

On Tuesday, Pelletier issued a statement calling the allegations “completely false” and chafing at Bissen’s request.

“Throughout my career, I have served with integrity and dedication, and I am deeply disappointed by this request, which I believe to be both premature and unjust,” Pelletier said. “I understand the importance of transparency and accountability in law enforcement and I fully intend to cooperate with any necessary processes to ensure the truth is known.

“However, I firmly believe no one should face professional consequences based on unsubstantiated claims,” he continued. “I remain committed to the officers, staff and residents of this county and sincerely appreciate the support of those who know my character, my dedication to my family and my lifelong commitment to this profession.”

It is common practice for government employees to be placed on administrative leave when they are the subject of an ongoing investigation.

Last August, Maui County Office of Economic Development director Luana Mahi was placed on paid leave while she was investigated for authorizing grants to family members.

Maui County finance director Scott Teruya was placed on administrative leave for undisclosed reasons in February 2024 and fired two months later.

Michael Tsai covers local and state politics for Spectrum News Hawaii. He can be reached at michael.tsai@charter.com.