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Police officer detained on alleged sex assault released

The police officer, who was detained over the weekend for an alleged sexual assault involving a 19-year-old college student was released late Monday afternoon, at the expiration of the 48 hours, this has been confirmed by Police Commissioner Save Liuato Tuitele. Responding to Samoa News queries, Save stated that “we cannot keep anyone longer than the 48-hour-hold period.”

 

Asked if the accused cop will be placed on leave pending the outcome of the investigation, Save said a decision is yet to be made, although he has already spoke to the Chief of Police, and they are discussing what options are available. “One thing’s for sure,” Save said, “the cop in question will not be assigned to any police work, meaning he will not be transferred to work at either the Tafuna Correctional Facility or the Fire Station.”

 

Save said he hasn’t decided where to put the accused, but he has options, as there are divisions within the DPS that do not involve police work where he can place him, temporarily. Save said the accused also has the option to take leave. “He can choose to take leave or work on non-police related assignments,” Save said.

 

The cop in question works in the Traffic Division of the Department of Public Safety and has been on the force since 2007.

 

He is alleged to have sexually assaulted the victim while on his way to drop her off following the completion of a school project they were working on together. Emails sent to the AG’s office if their office will file any criminal charges was not answered as of press time.