A Black woman claiming to be the wife of the Maryland police officer who was caught on camera getting into the back of a police cruiser with another woman is speaking out on the viral ordeal. Prince George's County Officer Francesco Marlett has been suspended from his duties after a TikTok with millions of views shows him hugging and kissing an unidentified woman before they climb into the backseat of his marked patrol car on Labor Day (September 4), police confirmed Tuesday morning (September 5).
Paula Marlett, Francesco's wife, has called the entire situation "embarrassing and painful" in a Facebook post.
"This is a very tough time for me and my kids. As embarrassing and painful as this is please check in on us," she wrote Tuesday night. "We need the support the love and most of all the respect from the community and our families."
The mother not only claims her husband has been cheating on her for years, but even identified the "mistress" the cop was allegedly sleeping with in the video:
"Virginia's husband left her ass a long time ago bc she cheated so she and my husband decided to do this behind my back for years. I’m not seeking anyone else’s input, I don’t need anyone’s opinion. My life is my life. I will make decisions according. I Love you all. Except for you Virginia, you can rot in hell b**ch."
Nelson Ochoa, the bystander who recorded the shocking moment, told WRC Marlett's cruiser rocked back and forth slightly as the pair spent 30 to 40 minutes inside the vehicle. Ochoa noted that children were playing in the public park nearby when this happened.
Prince George's County State's Attorney Aisha Braveboy confirmed the police department is conducting an internal affairs investigation. Police Chief Malik Aziz encouraged anybody "with knowledge of the interactions" to speak with detectives.
"I know the officer’s actions seen on these videos have sparked a range of emotions in the community and put a negative spotlight on this agency and the many hard-working women and men who wear our uniform," Aziz said, per FOX 5 Washington DC. "I expect every officer to conduct themselves in a way that will not dishonor this agency or this county. I assure the residents of Prince George’s County I take this matter extremely seriously."
Paula Marlett said she won't be making any more public statements on the matter. Francesco Marlett has not responded publicly to the controversy as of Thursday afternoon (September 7).
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