Posted on: Friday, August 17, 2001

Kaua'i police chief placed on paid leave

Associated Press

LIHUE, Kaua'i — Mayor Maryanne Kusaka confirmed yesterday that Kaua'i Police Chief George Freitas has been placed on administrative leave pending an investigation into a formal complaint filed by two police officers.

Kusaka's office released a statement saying Freitas was placed on leave with pay for120 days. The mayor had met with top police officials on Tuesday but declined to comment on the meeting until yesterday.

The leave was in response to the unanimous request by the Kaua'i Police Commission after it discussed a formal complaint filed by two police officers on Aug. 10, the statement said.

The allegations involve Freitas' handling of a criminal case pending against police officer Nelson Gabriel, who was charged in 1999 with sexual assault. Gabriel is scheduled for trial next month.

A full independent investigation will be conducted, followed by a hearing and a decision by the commission, the statement said.

Kusaka's office has said that Deputy Chief Wilfred Ihu has been named acting chief. However, he reportedly is on personal leave.

Freitas was named Kaua'i police chief in 1995. Soon after arriving on the job, he guided the department through a sex scandal involving an exotic dancer who accused several officers of fondling and photographing her in suggestive poses while she was in custody.