U.S. Marshals Official Placed on Leave Amid Inquiry

Peter Marketos, assistant director of the U.S. Marshals Service’s Investigative Operations Division, was placed on administrative leave while the agency investigates his alleged involvement in an incident involving a watermelon left on a Black colleague’s desk, according to reports citing people familiar with the matter. Don Snider was due to take over leadership of the division on November 9, according to an email reportedly sent to staff.

The colleague is a deputy assistant director who worked directly under Marketos. The reports say investigators had not established who left the watermelon, what prompted the incident or whether Marketos or someone under his supervision was involved. The Marshals Service has not confirmed the details of the allegation or Marketos’ leave.

A spokesperson for the agency said it takes allegations of misconduct by its personnel seriously and that the alleged actions do not reflect its values of justice, integrity and service. The spokesperson also said federal privacy laws prevent the agency from discussing personnel matters. The reports do not establish when the internal inquiry will conclude or whether a final personnel decision has been made.