Massachusetts Officer Loses Certification

The certification of Massachusetts police officer Samantha Pelrine has been suspended after she and her husband, Daniel Forand, were charged with sexually assaulting a minor. The Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Commission suspended Pelrine’s certification on Monday, March 30, according to a legal document obtained by Us Weekly.

Charges and Immediate Action

It is standard procedure for police officers to lose their certification when facing felony charges. Pelrine, 31, lost her certification immediately and was ordered to surrender all agency-issued items, including her uniform, badge, firearm, cruiser, and use-of-force instruments like tasers.

Details of the Allegations

Pelrine is facing three counts of aggravated child rape and one count of statutory rape. Her husband, Daniel Forand, 37, has been charged with 20 criminal counts, including 12 counts of aggravated child rape. Both Pelrine and Forand pleaded not guilty at their arraignment hearings earlier this month.

Bail and Restraining Orders

A judge set bail at $10,000 cash for Pelrine and $25,000 cash for Forand. Both were ordered to have no contact with the alleged victim or anyone under the age of 18. They were also required to surrender their passports and firearms.

Investigation and Department Response

The arrests of Pelrine and Forand followed Pelrine’s suspension from the Plymouth Police Department on March 17. The Plymouth Police Department released a statement saying, “We are appalled and deeply disturbed by the allegations. We hold our officers to the highest of standards and expect them to uphold their sworn duty both on duty and off.”

Accuser's Account

The alleged victim, now 21 years old, filed a restraining order against the couple after claiming abuse during the time he lived with them. Court documents reveal the accuser met Pelrine and Forand through his aunt, as they all attended the same church.

Becoming Legal Guardians

The couple became the legal guardians of the 12-year-old child, and the accuser alleges the sexual and physical abuse began shortly after. The victim claims the abuse continued until 2025 (sexual assault) and 2026 (physical assault).

Next Steps in the Case

The investigation is ongoing. Pelrine and Forand are scheduled to appear in court on June 8 for a probable cause hearing.