~Landsrecherche Probes Parliamentarian While KPSM Handles Investigation into Brother.~
PHILIPSBURG:--- Member of Parliament Omar Ottley and his brother, Mhalik Ottley, were both arrested Friday in connection with separate investigations stemming from an alleged assault incident during Carnival festivities at Carnival Village in April this year.
According to an official press release issued on May 15, 2026, the National Criminal Investigation Department, Landsrecherche Sint Maarten, arrested MP Omar Ottley as part of an ongoing criminal investigation into public assault. Authorities said the alleged incident took place in April during Carnival celebrations.
The Landsrecherche investigation is being carried out under the direction of the Public Prosecutor’s Office and specifically concerns the actions of the sitting member of parliament. Officials have so far declined to release further details regarding the allegations against Ottley, citing the ongoing investigation.
Meanwhile, police spokesman Joe Josepha confirmed that Mhalik Ottley was also arrested in relation to the same Carnival altercation. His case, however, is being investigated separately by the Police Force of Sint Maarten (KPSM).
The dual investigations have drawn considerable public attention, given the involvement of a sitting parliamentarian and the high-profile nature of the Carnival incident, which reportedly occurred at Carnival Village during one of the festival season's busiest periods.
Authorities have not disclosed whether additional arrests are expected or when the suspects are scheduled to appear before a judge.
Both investigations remain active.
