A TikTok video has thrust the Prince George's County Police Department into the spotlight, as it shows Corporal Francesco Marlett involved with an unidentified woman in the backseat of a marked police cruiser. The incident has ignited a social media storm, prompting swift action from the department.
In the video, which has gone viral with over 2.4 million views since being shared on TikTok, Marlett is seen with the woman outside a marked police vehicle in Oxon Hill's Southlawn neighborhood. The footage captures them entering the back of the cruiser together and closing the door behind them, leaving the content of the second video unknown.
The department's Internal Affairs Division has launched an investigation into Marlett's actions, with Chief Malik Aziz taking immediate action by suspending the officer's police powers upon learning of the situation on Tuesday.
Chief Aziz expressed his concern over the incident, acknowledging that it has generated a range of emotions in the community and cast a negative spotlight on the department and its hard-working officers. He emphasized his expectation that every officer conducts themselves in a manner that upholds the agency's reputation and the county's honor. Aziz also reassured the residents of Prince George's County that he considers the matter extremely serious.
Marlett has faced controversy in the past. In 2016, he underwent disciplinary proceedings within the department over allegations of child abuse and assault involving his girlfriend's three-year-old son. The outcome saw Marlett prevented from receiving a promotion and fined $1,500. Subsequently, charges against him were dropped, and his record expunged.
Additional allegations of domestic abuse in 2019 and 2023 further marred Marlett's record. The department conducted investigations into these allegations, ultimately determining them to be unfounded.
The fallout from this incident has not only affected Marlett but also his family. Paula Marlett, claiming to be the officer's wife, took to Facebook to share her thoughts on the ordeal. She described it as "embarrassing and painful" and appealed for support, love, and respect from the community and their families, acknowledging her awareness of the ongoing situation.
As the investigation unfolds, the Prince George's County Police Department faces the challenge of regaining public trust and ensuring that officers adhere to the highest standards of professionalism. The resolution of this investigation will play a pivotal role in determining how the department addresses the incident and its implications for the community and its officers.