HYATTSVILLE, MD – The Internal Affairs Division of the Prince George’s County Police Department has launched an investigation into the conduct of Corporal Francesco Marlett following the release of two videos on social media involving the officer and an adult female.
The investigation was initiated on Tuesday, shortly after the first video came to light. Corporal Marlett’s police powers have been suspended by Chief Malik Aziz pending the outcome of the inquiry.
The IAD is interviewing all parties involved and encourages citizens with knowledge of the incident to assist detectives.
Once the investigation concludes, the Administrative Charging Committee (ACC) will make a disciplinary recommendation to Chief Aziz. This follows a protocol set by Maryland law, and the findings will also be reviewed by the Police Accountability Board.
Chief Malik Aziz stated that the videos have generated public concern and pledged to take the matter seriously. “I expect every officer to conduct themselves in a way that will not dishonor this agency or this county,” Aziz said.
This is not the first time Corporal Marlett has faced internal scrutiny. In 2016, Marlett was disciplined on charges of unbecoming conduct, including child abuse and assault in the second degree. He was fined $1500 and removed from a promotional cycle. Subsequent legal challenges against Marlett were dismissed after IAD investigations found the allegations to be unfounded.