The U.S. Marshals Service (USMS) has placed Peter Marketos, the assistant director of its Investigative Operations Division, on administrative leave. The action follows an internal investigation into an alleged incident involving a Black colleague. Sources told CBS News that the investigation concerns a watermelon being left on the desk of a deputy assistant director who reported to Marketos.
The USMS, a federal law enforcement agency within the Department of Justice, confirmed it is looking into allegations of misconduct but declined to provide specifics, citing federal privacy laws. A spokesperson stated that the alleged actions do not reflect the agency's core values of justice, integrity, and service. It was not reported whether Marketos personally placed the fruit or if it was placed by a subordinate under his supervision.
Marketos has served in the USMS for over two decades, starting as a deputy in 2002. His career included roles overseeing sex offender investigations and tactical operations. In March 2023, he was named acting U.S. marshal for the District of Columbia and later the assistant director of Investigative Operations. More recently, he was designated acting U.S. marshal for the Eastern District of Virginia and had testified before the Senate Judiciary Committee in September 2025 regarding federal task forces.
The investigation affects the leadership of the Investigative Operations Division, the arm of the USMS responsible for tracking and arresting wanted criminals and fugitive investigations. The division oversees core law enforcement functions that coordinate with state and local authorities. Don Snider, a veteran chief inspector, assumed Marketos' duties on Monday, November 9, to maintain operational continuity within the division.
For the employees and deputy marshals within the agency, the incident has raised internal concerns regarding workplace conduct and racial dynamics. The use of watermelon imagery is noted for its history as a derogatory racial stereotype against Black Americans. Personnel within the agency who spoke to CBS News indicated that such behavior is viewed as inconsistent with the standards of federal law enforcement. The report indicates the matter has sparked internal discussion among deputy marshals.
The permanent staffing of the Investigative Operations Division may be affected. One source reported that Marketos is expected to be terminated, and his biographical information has already been removed from the agency’s official website. The USMS has not set a public deadline for the conclusion of the internal investigation. Marketos’ sister, an FBI agent, was also recently noted in reports regarding a separate federal investigation in South Florida where a top prosecutor resigned last week. Further updates depend on the results of the internal USMS probe and any subsequent personnel filings.