An investigation has been launched after a police officer was filmed getting into the back of his cruiser and kissing another woman, which his wife has described as "painful".
The Prince George's County Police Department has launched a comprehensive investigation into the actions of Officer Francesco Marlett, following a TikTok video that went viral, gathering over 2.4 million views.
Responding to the widespread public attention, a woman claiming to be the officer's wife took to Facebook to address the incident.
Paula Marlett asked viewers for their understanding, saying: "We need the support, the love, and most of all, the respect from the community and our families," as reported by FOX5. She acknowledged: "Yes, I know what's been going on."
She added that she wouldn't be supplying further updates while revealing: "Yes this is a very tough time for me and my kids. As embarrassing and painful as this is please check in on us."
The video that sparked the controversy shows Officer Marlett seemingly engaged in a romantic encounter with a woman just before they entered a PGCPD cruiser, parked near a local park in the Oxon Hill neighborhood of Southlawn.
The Prince George's County Police Department swiftly responded to the public outcry. In a statement released on X (formerly known as Twitter), the department stated: "As soon as we became aware earlier today, we opened an investigation to determine the circumstances."
They added: "Additional information will be released once investigated and confirmed."
Subsequently, the department announced that Officer Marlett's "police powers are now suspended as the investigation continues."
Nelson Ochoa, the person who recorded the viral video, recounted the incident to NBC Washington, explaining that he began filming when he saw the officer arrive in his vehicle on Labor Day. "As soon as I started recording, a car pulled up, and a young lady came out," he said.
He detailed how the pair entered the cruiser and, after approximately 40 minutes, departed in separate directions. "We couldn't believe what we were seeing, and what really made us go, 'Wow, this is crazy,' is when the car started rocking a little bit to the left and right. That's when we were like, this is crazy. In broad daylight with kids around," he added.
According to reports from FOX5, Officer Marlett faced suspension without pay in 2016 after being accused of assaulting his girlfriend's three-year-old child to the point of unconsciousness. Ultimately, the charges were dropped, and his record was expunged.
Regarding the situation, Prince George's County Police Chief Malik Aziz said, via FOX 5: "As part of its investigation, the Internal Affairs Division is attempting to interview all parties involved as well as citizens with knowledge of the interactions.
"IAD encourages those with knowledge to please assist with the investigation by speaking with detectives. Your information could play a key role in helping us determine exactly what happened and taking appropriate action.
"I know the officer’s actions seen on these videos have sparked a range of emotions in the community and put a negative spotlight on this agency and the many hard-working women and men who wear our uniform.
"I expect every officer to conduct themselves in a way that will not dishonor this agency or this county. I assure the residents of Prince George’s County I take this matter extremely seriously," he concluded.
