A longtime Hawaii police officer is accused of exploiting a woman moments after she was involved in a car crash, with prosecutors alleging he raped her after responding to the scene.
Devin Anthony Schoeppner, 49, a 12-year veteran of the Maui Police Department (MPD), was indicted by a grand jury last week on multiple sexual assault charges, the prosecuting attorney announced Wednesday.
In a statement, Prosecutor Andrew H Martin said the case dates back to 2025, when Schoeppner responded to what was described as a “single-car crash” involving an unidentified woman.
According to the indictment, Schoeppner allegedly sexually assaulted the woman after the collision, forcing her to perform oral sex and subjecting her to other sexual acts.
Schoeppner was arrested Monday on a $150,000 warrant and has since been released after posting bail.
He is facing six sexual assault charges in all, including four counts of second-degree assault and two counts of third-degree assault.
The Maui police officer is scheduled to appear in court Thursday for his arraignment and plea.
“We believe there are individuals who had interactions with Mr Schoeppner or know someone who did, either recently or in the past. We ask anyone who may have information to please contact us,” Martin said.
Devin Anthony Schoeppner, 49, a 12-year veteran of the Maui Police Department (MPD) in Hawaii, allegedly raped a woman who had just crashed her car, forcing her to perform oral sex and subjecting her to other sexual acts, prosecutors said
Prosecutor Andrew H Martin said in a statement that the allegations stem from 2025, when Schoeppner responded to a ‘single-car crash’ involving an unidentified woman
‘Although Mr Schoeppner has been indicted, we are committed to following up on all information related to him,’ he added.
Schoeppner, of Kahului, was first arrested in May 2025 on suspicion of sexual assault in the first-degree, though details surrounding the claims remained largely unknown, according to KITV News.
‘It’s a gut punch. It’s a gut punch for those of us who believe in public service and believe in our public officers,’ Camron Hurt of watchdog organization Common Cause Hawai’i said at the time.
Schoeppner’s badge and firearm were confiscated by the department before he was placed on paid leave as officials launched an immediate investigation.
Hurt said the allegations exposed the need for reform within the MPD, pointing to what he described as cases of ‘mismanagement.’
‘It’s something that I’ve seen over the process of years. Here we have a case of alleged sex assault committed by an officer, pending investigation. However, I’ve seen over the years, mismanagement,’ Hurt said, according to the outlet.
‘The action of one does not reflect the entire police body and that needs to be said. We have really good officers throughout the state,’ he added. ‘What sucks, though, is there is such a crisis of confidence right now.’
MPD Chief John Pelletier released a statement following Schoeppner’s initial arrest, declaring: ‘Any Maui Police Department employee who violates the law will be held accountable – both criminally and administratively.’
Schoeppner was first arrested in 2025. At the time, MPD Chief John Pelletier (pictured) released a statement that read: ‘Any Maui Police Department employee who violates the law will be held accountable – both criminally and administratively’
Schoeppner was arrested Monday on a $150,000 warrant and has since been released after posting bail. He is charged with four counts of second-degree sexual assault and two counts of third-degree sexual assault
‘We hold ourselves to the highest standards of accountability and transparency,’ he continued. ‘When our officers fall short of these standards, we must address those failures with impartiality and integrity.’
‘Our community deserves accountability. We are taking deliberate steps to reinforce our commitment to fair and equitable law enforcement practices, ensuring that every individual’s rights are upheld,’ Pelletier added.
Schoeppner, who joined the department in December 2014 as part of its 80th recruit class, remained on paid leave until his second arrest Monday.
In a Wednesday press release, the County Department of the Prosecuting Attorney said the investigation remains ongoing and urged the public to assist with the probe.
‘You may think your information is unimportant, or perhaps already known by law enforcement. Please provide any information you may have so that we may assess it,’ Martin said.
‘We understand there may be circumstances that cause people to be hesitant to come forward. However, your information is important and will be handled with discretion and care.’
Anyone with information is urged to contact the FBI Honolulu office at (808) 566-4300 or submit a tip online.
