Maui Police Chief Pelletier issues statement following federal charges against high-ranking lieutenant
Maui Police Chief John Pelletier issued a statement addressing the criminal complaint filed against the department’s Commander of the Criminal Intelligence Unit, Michael Vaituʻulala.
The 53-year-old lieutenant and 18-year veteran of the department was arrested and charged by criminal complaint this week with conspiracy to commit honest services wire fraud. He is accused of using his position for personal gain, allegedly taking bribes to protect chicken fighting and drug operations.
“These allegations involving Lieutenant Michael Vaitu’ulala are difficult for me to reconcile with the person I have known both professionally and personally for many years. I trusted him and considered him a friend, and he was present during deeply personal moments in my life, including conducting the blessing when my father’s ashes were scattered,” said Pelletier.
He continued, “But as Chief, I have a responsibility that extends beyond any personal relationship. I owe that responsibility to this department, to its employees, and most importantly, to the community we serve.”
In his statement, Pelletier said every person is entitled to due process and to be presumed innocent unless and until proven guilty.
“No one should prejudge the facts or attempt to determine an outcome before the evidence is presented through the proper legal process. Our responsibility is to ensure that process is respected and allowed to run its course. This case, like every case, should not be tried in the media or the court of public opinion,” he said.
Pelletier said that when the department became aware of the federal investigation, it acted immediately within its authority, noting an internal administrative investigation was launched, and the Criminal Intelligence Unit was disbanded.
“We will not compromise the integrity of this department or excuse misconduct because of rank, tenure, position, or personal relationships. If the allegations are proven true, we will take appropriate action within our authority,” said Pelletier.
The chief said he has “the utmost confidence and belief” in the department’s federal partners and the action they have taken.
“When we become aware of employee misconduct or public corruption, we will reach out and conduct joint investigations when appropriate,” he said.
“I understand that these allegations have raised difficult questions and affected public trust. But the alleged actions of one individual should not overshadow the dedication of the men and women who serve this community every day,” said Pelletier. “Our officers have continued to show up, protect our communities, and carry out their responsibilities under extraordinarily difficult circumstances.”
The State of Hawai’i Organization of Police Officers also issued this statement in the wake of the allegation saying, “There is nothing more important for a police officer than to earn and maintain the trust of the public they protect and the officers they serve with. When an individual violates that trust, it damages the integrity of the law enforcement profession and jeopardizes community safety.”
SHOPO called the allegations “egregious” and “deeply troubling,” saying they do not represent the dedication or character of the “overwhelming majority of officers who serve the Maui Police Department with dignity and honor.”
“Just like every other citizen, each officer has a right to due process. If these allegations are true, however, the officer should be held accountable for his behavior to the fullest extent of the law,” SHOPO said in the statement.
Sponsored Content
