Mayor asks FBI to investigate KPD allegations

Mayor Bryan Baptiste’s administration has asked the FBI and the U.S. Attorney’s office to investigate allegations that a Kaua’i police officer has leveled against Kaua’i police chief George Freitas and another police officer.

The allegations appear in a federal law suit filed by police officer Mark Begley of Kapa’a. Begley is contending that Freitas did not act on his allegations that Kauai Police Department Lt. Martin Curnan was involved with an organized crime group when Curnan headed the department’s vice division.

Among other allegations, Begley also contends he was assaulted by Curnan and another man on May 17.

In calling for the investigation by the federal agencies, Baptiste said, “We have a duty to seek the truth for our citizens, and we take these allegations seriously.”

His comments were made in a news release issued Friday.

Baptiste also asked Kauaians to have an open mind on the matter, noting, ” I ask our communities to be aware the allegations made in the lawsuit have not been proven.”

Baptiste said the county “will be closely monitoring the complaint and the events of the case as they unfold.” The mayor said he applauded the work of the employees of the police department.

“I believe we have many fine men and women serving in the police department who are dedicated professionals with a vested interest in creating and promoting safe environments for our communities,” Baptiste said.

Kaua’i County has also beennamed in the law suit as a co-defendant.

Begley is being represented by Kaua’i lawyers Donna Richards and Mark Zenger and Honolulu attorney Christopher S. Bouslog. The county attorney’s office is reviewing the case on behalf of Freitas and Curnan.

Staff writer Lester Chang can be reached at 245-3681 (ext. 225) and mailto:lchang@pulitzer.net