Police Magazine Logo
MenuMENU
SearchSEARCH

Maui Police Chief Named in Lawsuit Against Rap Star Sean Diddy Combs, Denies Allegations

The suit claims that the chief, who at the time was a Las Vegas police captain, posed as a Sheriff deputy in California and responded to an alleged gang rape involving Combs.

by Staff
March 11, 2025
2 min to read


Maui Police Chief John Pelletier is fiercely denying allegations that he was involved in a cover up linked to Sean “Diddy” Combs.

In a nearly 90 page civil lawsuit (Ashley Parham v. Sean Combs (Case No. 3:24-cv-07191-RFL)) filed by Ashley Parham and two unnamed individuals, Pelletier is accused of being hired as security for Combs in 2018, Hawaii News Now reports.

Ad Loading...

The suit claims that Pelletier, who at the time was a Las Vegas police captain, posed as a Sheriff deputy in California and responded to an alleged gang rape involving Combs.

The alleged victim claims that Pelletier instructed her to go home and offered no help or medical care.

The Maui Police department said in a statement:

“Chief Pelletier has no connections whatsoever to any individuals named in the lawsuit. The allegations suggesting his involvement are entirely unfounded. We are confident that the evidence will demonstrate these claims to be false and will expose those who are deliberately trying to manipulate the legal system to spread misleading narratives.

“In 2018, while serving as a Captain in Las Vegas, Chief Pelletier was honored by the Rape Crisis Center for his exceptional leadership and commitment to community safety, specifically through his role as a champion of the Stay S.A.F.E. program dedicated to sexual assault prevention.

Ad Loading...

“These baseless allegations not only harm Chief Pelletier but also show a lack of respect for victims of abuse, whose voices deserve to be heard and supported with compassion and integrity.”

In a statement, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen requested that the Maui County Police Commission put Pelletier on administrative leave while the investigation remains ongoing.


More Command

police car geotab thumbnail for services whitepaper
SponsoredApril 1, 2026

A police department’s guide to fleet management and vehicle health

Today’s police departments face rising fleet costs and must stay ready to respond, no matter the call. In this eBook, get powerful insights to enhance your police fleet’s cost-efficiency, reliability and performance through data-driven tactics.

Read More →
Two computer screenshots with graphs and spreadsheet against a blue background
CommandMarch 26, 2026

NEOGOV Acquires Off-Duty Law Enforcement Software Platform PowerDetails

With the acquisition of PowerDetails, NEOGOV expands its footprint within public safety agencies to offer both on-duty and off-duty scheduling.

Read More →
Group of police chiefs in uniform stand in a group at the front of a room following a training class.
CommandMarch 26, 2026

FBI-LEEDA Launches Inaugural Five Star Chief Executive Institute

FBI-LEEDA’s recently-launched Five Star Chief Executive Institute is a two-week executive program that equips senior law enforcement leaders with strategic skills for modern policing.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
woman officer shown from the back in a vest that states parking enforcement while issuing a parking ticket to a car
CommandDecember 5, 2025

Why Police Leaders Must Champion Parking Enforcement

For police and transportation departments, traditional parking enforcement exposes officers to risk, such as standing on busy roads to issue paper tickets or catching offenders in dangerous, congested areas. Modern technology changes this, reducing exposure, speeding processes, and limiting confrontations.

Read More →
Thumbnail for video series POLICE Topics, Tactics & Tips episode More IACP from the Show Floor
Patrolby Wayne ParhamOctober 22, 2025

More IACP 2025 From the Show Floor

Watch expanded coverage of IACP 2025 as the POLICE Magazine team walks the aisles at the expo and shares what we found interesting on display for chiefs from across the country and around the world this week in Denver, Colorado.

Read More →
Thumbnail for video series POLICE Topics, Tactics & Tips
Patrolby Wayne ParhamOctober 21, 2025

IACP 2025 - From the Show Floor

Take a look inside the expo at IACP 2025 to see a sampling of what is displayed for chiefs from across the country and around the world this week in Denver, Colorado.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Pro-gard Products LLC logo with white and blue branded service vehicles
CommandSeptember 22, 2025

Pro-gard Expands Law Enforcement Vehicle Protection and Transport Solutions

Pro-gard has introduced HD Fender and Headlight Wraps for added front-end protection and a new P1300 Pro-Cell transport system for Ford F-150 and Super Duty models.

Read More →
The Wounded Blue logo: shield emblem with WB letters in blue and black
CommandSeptember 9, 2025

COPS Teams With The Wounded Blue To Help Injured And Disabled Law Enforcement Officers And Their Families

Free officer-wellness training comes to Las Vegas Sept. 22–25: The Wounded Blue’s 5th Annual National Law Enforcement Survival Summit opens registration.

Read More →
Police magazine video thumbnail for 'Officer Rescue' with blue and yellow design
CommandSeptember 3, 2025

Video: Officer Crawls Across Ladder to Rescue Family from Floodwaters

When floodwaters overturned a vehicle in rural New Mexico, Officer Walker Eby risked his life—crawling over raging currents on a ladder—to rescue a woman, her child, and their dog.

Read More →
Ad Loading...
Swimmer in pool with World Police & Fire Games logos, sports montage film strip
CommandAugust 29, 2025

Ahmedabad, India, to Host 2029 World Police & Fire Games

Birmingham, Alabama, hosted the 2025 World Police & Fire Games, and Ahmedabad, India, has been announced as the host city for 2029.

Read More →