Early Life and Background
Age and Nationality
John Pelletier was born in Buffalo, New York, making him an American national. Specific details about his age are not publicly disclosed.
Hometown and Family
Pelletier hails from Buffalo, New York, where he was born and raised. His family background includes a lineage of law enforcement professionals, with both his father and stepmother serving in the Buffalo Police Department.
Education
Pelletier pursued higher education at the University of Nevada-Las Vegas, where he earned a bachelor’s degree in Political Science in 1994. Further enhancing his credentials, he graduated from the FBI National Academy in 2019, an institution renowned for developing leadership in law enforcement.
Law Enforcement Career
Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department (LVMPD)
Early Roles and Responsibilities
John Pelletier commenced his law enforcement career with the LVMPD in 1999. Over the years, he ascended through the ranks, undertaking various roles that showcased his versatility and commitment.
Leadership Positions
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Commander of the Convention Center Area Command: In this capacity, Pelletier oversaw operations on the Las Vegas Strip, a high-profile area requiring adept management of public safety and coordination during major events.
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Incident Commander during the 2017 Mass Shooting: Pelletier played a crucial role in the response to the tragic mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest music festival, demonstrating leadership during one of the deadliest mass shootings in U.S. history.
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Commander of the Major Violator/Narcotics Bureau: His responsibilities included leading specialized units such as SWAT and K-9, focusing on high-risk operations and narcotics enforcement.
Maui Police Department
Appointment as Chief of Police
In December 2021, Pelletier was sworn in as the Chief of Police for the Maui Police Department. His appointment marked a historic moment, as he became the first individual from outside Hawai’i to lead the department. His selection was driven by a desire to bring fresh perspectives and enhance transparency within the force.
Initiatives and Achievements
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Community Engagement: Pelletier emphasized building bridges with the community, fostering unity and harmony. He established the Maui Police Department Multicultural Advisory Council to ensure diverse community representation and involvement.
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Organizational Reforms: Under his leadership, the department focused on enhancing accountability and modernizing practices to better serve the residents and visitors of Maui.
Controversy
In March 2025, Maui Police Chief John Pelletier was named in a civil lawsuit alleging his involvement in a 2018 incident concerning music mogul Sean “Diddy” Combs. The lawsuit, filed by Ashley Parham, accuses Combs and several others, including Pelletier, of participating in or facilitating a sexual assault in Orinda, California. At the time of the alleged incident, Pelletier was serving as a captain with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department.
According to the amended complaint, Parham alleges that she was drugged and sexually assaulted by Combs and his associates. The lawsuit further claims that Pelletier, then a Las Vegas police captain, posed as a Contra Costa County sheriff’s deputy responding to the alleged assault. It is alleged that he advised Parham to go home without offering assistance or medical care and later took her and another plaintiff at gunpoint to his home, restraining them and refusing to let them contact an attorney.
Pelletier has categorically denied these allegations, stating, “The allegations made against me are completely false, and I have not been formally served with any legal paperwork.” He expressed disappointment over the claims and emphasized his commitment to cooperating with any necessary processes to ensure the truth is revealed.
In response to the lawsuit, Maui County Mayor Richard Bissen recommended that the Maui Police Commission place Pelletier on administrative leave pending an investigation. Mayor Bissen stated that while the allegations remain unproven, they are serious in nature and involve claims of alleged criminal conduct. He urged the commission to conduct an independent review to maintain public trust and ensure the effective functioning of the department.
As of now, the Maui Police Commission has not publicly commented on the lawsuit or the mayor’s recommendation. Pelletier continues to serve as the Chief of Police, maintaining his stance that the allegations are unfounded and expressing his dedication to the Maui community and the integrity of the police department.
Personal Life
Family
John Pelletier is married to Cristy Pelletier. Specific details about their family life, including information about children, are kept private, reflecting Pelletier’s preference to maintain personal boundaries separate from his public role.
Interests and Community Involvement
Beyond his professional commitments, Pelletier is known to value community engagement and wellness initiatives. His leadership style often incorporates elements that promote officer wellness and community well-being.
Conclusion
John Pelletier’s career reflects a trajectory of dedicated service, marked by significant leadership roles and a commitment to community-oriented policing. His transition from the LVMPD to leading the Maui Police Department underscores his adaptability and dedication to enhancing public safety across diverse environments.
FAQs
What is John Pelletier’s current role?
John Pelletier currently serves as the Chief of Police for the Maui Police Department in Hawai’i.
Where did John Pelletier begin his law enforcement career?
He began his career with the Las Vegas Metropolitan Police Department in 1999.
What notable incident did Pelletier manage in Las Vegas?
He was the incident commander during the 2017 mass shooting at the Route 91 Harvest music festival.
When did Pelletier become the Chief of Police in Maui?
He was sworn in as Maui’s Chief of Police in December 2021.
What initiatives has Pelletier introduced in Maui?
He established the Maui Police Department Multicultural Advisory Council to enhance community engagement and promote unity.
