The Hawaii Department of Law Enforcement is investigating multiple cases of alleged harassment involving racism and treachery within its own ranks, which targeted a Black officer and led to the recent arrest of four sheriff’s deputies.

Another nine officers have been placed on paid administrative leave and could face further discipline.

The alleged incidents involve repeated harassment and racially insensitive comments made during field exercises, where 56-year-old Martin Horton, a Black officer in training, was subjected to insults about his supposed preference for fried chicken, among other verbal abuse.

The scandal came to light in late June as authorities announced the arrests of Deputy Sheriff William Keahi, 40, for reckless endangering and harassment; Sgt. Erich Mitamura, 40, and Deputy Sheriff Alvin Turla, 47, who are both supervisors, for harassment related to racial misconduct; and Deputy Sheriff William Gary, 46, for additional harassment charges.

Source: ‘You’re Nothing!’: Hawaii Black Cop Was Belittled and Racially Bullied By Colleagues, Leading to Four Officers Arrested, Nine Others Placed on Paid Leave