A senior U.S. Marshals Service official was placed on administrative leave after a watermelon was left on a Black colleague’s desk, CBS News reported.
Peter Marketos, assistant director of the agency's Investigative Operations Division, was relieved of his duties pending an internal investigation, two sources familiar with the matter told CBS News. The watermelon was reportedly left on the desk of a Black deputy assistant director who worked under Marketos.
It remains unclear who placed the watermelon on the employee’s desk or whether Marketos was directly involved. Watermelon imagery has long been used in racist caricatures and stereotypes targeting Black Americans.
A U.S. Marshals Service spokesperson told CBS News that the agency takes allegations of employee misconduct seriously.
"The alleged actions do not reflect the core values of the USMS: Justice, Integrity and Service," the spokesperson said, adding that federal privacy laws prevent the agency from discussing personnel matters.
Marketos' biography has also been removed from the agency's website, according to CBS News. One source familiar with the matter said he is expected to be terminated, though the agency has not confirmed that decision.
Marketos began his career as a deputy U.S. marshal in 2002 and held several leadership positions overseeing sex offender investigations, fugitive apprehensions and tactical operations.
He was named acting U.S. marshal for the District of Columbia in March 2023 before becoming assistant director of the Investigative Operations Division later that year. He was also designated acting U.S. marshal for the Eastern District of Virginia.
The Black Information Network is your source for Black News! Get the latest news 24/7 on The Black Information Network. Listen now on the iHeartRadio app or click HERE to tune in live.