SAIPAN — The case involving two Department of Public Safety officers in connection with an alleged assault of a 28-year-old man has been referred to the Attorney General’s Office, Investigation Division, for review, according to a press statement released Monday by DPS Commissioner Anthony I. Macaranas.
The Professional Responsibility Office (PRO) is continuing its administrative investigation into the incident, which was reported on December 22, 2025, and allegedly occurred on December 19.
“The incident remains under active investigation, and no further information is available at this time,” the statement said.
The brief update comes more than two weeks after Commissioner Macaranas held a press conference on December 30, during which he announced that DPS had requested support from the AG’s Investigation Division to ensure a thorough and impartial investigation.
At that press conference, Macaranas said charges were expected “in the coming days” and emphasized the department’s commitment to investigating misconduct allegations against its personnel.
“DPS does not tolerate any conduct that violates the law, departmental policies, and regulation,” Macaranas stated at the December 30 briefing. “We are fully committed to investigating any incidents where the conduct of our personnel is in question.”
Both officers were immediately placed on administrative duty after the report was filed, which included disarming them and removing them from street patrol. The officers remain seasoned members of the department, though their identities have not been released.
According to information provided at the December press conference, the victim’s father reported the alleged assault and the victim was taken to the hospital by his parents following the incident.
Commissioner Macaranas had extended a sincere apology to the victim on behalf of the officers’ actions, stating: “I want to extend my sincere apology to the victim on the actions of my officer, and I assure them that this case will continue on, you know, and I have no intent of any cover-up or any discourse of this investigation.”
The commissioner also emphasized at that time his commitment to transparency once the investigation allows. “I do not want to tarnish the integrity of the case right now,” he said. “That is why I’m so limited to giving any information. But I assure you that should the investigation shine some light, I will get back to you and I will give you more of the story of this incident.”
No timeline has been provided for when the AG’s Investigation Division review will be completed or when additional information may be released.
