The following was posted to the Monterey Police Department Facebook page on Saturday, September 5, 2026 at 8:36 a.m.
Good morning, Monterey.
The Monterey Police Department has been made aware that the department has been named in a federal lawsuit alleging a false arrest involving Ms. Nicole Maclellan.
The lawsuit alleges that Monterey Police officers initiated a traffic stop and wrongfully took Ms. Maclellan into custody on an outstanding warrant. After reviewing the body camera footage from the Monterey Police officers who were present at the scene, the footage shows that the traffic stop was initiated by deputies with the Putnam County Sheriff’s Office within the city limits of Monterey.
Monterey Police officers responded to the scene in a backup capacity only. Ms. Maclellan was taken into custody by Putnam County Sheriff’s Office deputies and transported to meet deputies from Cumberland County, where the warrant originated.
Based on our review of the body camera footage, Monterey Police officers did not take Ms. Maclellan into custody or perform the actions attributed to them in the lawsuit.
Because our department has been publicly named in this matter, we believe it is important that our community has accurate information regarding the involvement of the Monterey Police Department.
We remain committed to transparency, professionalism, and keeping the citizens of Monterey accurately informed.
