He said in a news interview with MLive that Reyna is a native of Muskegon, Michigan. He posted a picture on Facebook of a framed KKK application he found. Whether or not officer Anderson has racist tendencies or not, would that move the needle one way or another? The Mathises said they eventually decided to post on Facebook what they had seen out of concern that Black citizens could run into trouble with Anderson if they encountered him on the streets. He was subsequently cleared of any wrongdoing when the shooting was deemed to be an act of self-defense. The stationreported that since posting the KKK application on Facebook, Robert and Reyna Mathis have receiveddeath threats. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Rachel Anderson said she was the one who found the KKK application in an antique shop and thought it was so cool and would look good in their house. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. A second citizen complaint from 2016 involved a DUI arrest in which Anderson did not secure a vehicle after the arrest and did not return a person's driver's license, according to the report. All Rights Reserved. Anderson was fired in September following the release of the 421-page investigation by Muskegon Public Safety Director Jeffrey Lewis and Muskegon City Manager Peterson. Janelle Griffith is a national reporter for NBC News focusing on issues of race and policing. He cant say anything right now, Ms. Anderson said. He was cleared of wrongdoing in the 2009 shooting of an unarmed black man, who, an investigation found, used Anderson's police radio and . Acomplaint in 2010 alleged that he acted "rudely and disrespectfully" when he arrestedtwo people and usedpepper spray. Last month, Anderson was outed when a couple, the Mathises, toured his home that was for sale. Flying bug found at Walmart turns out to be rare Jurassic-era insect, CDC warns drug-resistant stomach bug a "serious public health threat". The shooting was determined to be an act of self-defense. Muskegon Police Officer Charles Anderson will retire with full benefits at the end of 2020, according to a separation agreement with the city. IE 11 is not supported. RELATED: The. The separation agreement states Anderson will remain on unpaid status until December 30, 2020. Effective December 31, 2020, Anderson's employment with the city will end by way of his retirement. Lawsuits claim it wrecked their teeth. Rob Mathis, the prospective homebuyer, posted on Facebook. During Anderson's 22-year career as a police officer, he had two complaints made against him. Prosecutors:US Army soldier planned to kill 'antifa' activists, bomb a major news network. Mathis, 52, a U.S. Army veteran, has said he felt morally obligated to report what he had witnessed. I said I cannot in good conscience bring him back here and put him on the streets of this town, Lewis told Calhoun. They said they were looking for a home with plenty of land to host their children and grandchildren and initially were excited about the potential of Andersons home. The official investigation by the city of Muskegon into the officer's past gets underway- and we have a transcript of what went down! In 2009, Anderson fatally shot a 23-year-old unarmed Black man Julius Allen-Ray Johnson. The City of Muskegon has a population of about 37,000, according to census data. First published on August 12, 2019 / 10:44 AM. They said friends of their 12-year-old daughter told her their parents wouldnt let them talk to her. Mathis posted pictures of what he saw on Facebook and discovered the home belonged to Muskegon police officer Charles "Chuck" Anderson. "This whole situation is very disheartening," Reyna Mathis said. MUSKEGON, Mich. (WOOD) The Muskegon police officer who had Ku Klux Klan memorabilia in his home has lost his job. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. Muskegon police officer Charles Anderson has been placed on leave pending an investigation into the couple's claims, the police department said. He mentioned seeing Confederate flags on the walls, dining room table and garage. In addition, Lewis said he reviewed the case of Andersons fatal shooting of Julius Johnson, an unarmed Black man, who investigators determined was getting the best of Anderson in a physical fight after fleeing from a traffic stop. The former officer said the reason for having the items is his love for history anda classic TV show. In the first case, Robert was pulled over by Anderson for speeding, while Reyna was in the passenger seat. Muskegon City Manager Frank Peterson and the city attorney's office released a 421-page report on the investigation of Charles Anderson, as well as his history as a police officer before he. Mathis, who is black, previously told NBC News he did not know or disclose the officer's identity in the post, but that other social media users identified him in the comment thread. Mr. Mathis said he reached out to Officer Anderson and Chief Lewis but never heard from them. ", Example video title will go here for this video. He will not be paid, and has not been, since. She was sentenced to 60 days and $414 in fines. She told NBC News on Monday that she was defending herself against Anderson in that incident and that when her lawyer asked to enter the dashboard camera from the police vehicle as evidence, the department was unable to locate it so she was placed on probation. In the report, Mathis said he toured the home because he and Reyna were looking for a residence that had a significant amount of land so the two of them, along with their 12-year-old daughter and 21-year-old son, could spend more time outdoors. The city and Anderson agree neither party will publicly disparage the other party, including, "comments or statements to the press. "We would not take back what weve done no matter how weve been treated or portrayed," Reyna Mathis said. "If he had just been anybody else," he said, "I wouldve just told my wife, you know, lets put an offer in on the house.". According to the report, Robert Mathis toured Anderson's home with his family and a real estate agentAug. 7. Get the top DEI news delivered straight to your inbox, Michigan Police Officer Charles Anderson on Leave After KKK Items Found in his Home, fatally shot a 23-year-old unarmed Black man Julius Allen-Ray Johnson, 5 Biggest News Stories of the Week: February 23, 5 Biggest News Stories of the Week: February 17, Race, Homelessness and the Role of Corporate Social Responsibility, How Companies Are Celebrating Black History Month, 5 Biggest News Stories of the Week: February 9. Robertson says Anderson is the officer who made the arrest. This prompted calls for the firing of the 24-year force . Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. This dental device was sold to fix patients' jaws. We hope that you find the information on our website helpful and easy to find. The city's investigation claims items with images of Confederate flags at Anderson's home were part of a "Dukes of Hazzard" collection. Officer Anderson On the Job. They shall respect and protect the rights of individuals and perform their services with honesty, zeal, courage, discretion, integrity, dedication and sound judgment. Authorities in Michigan may review a white police officer's fatal shooting of a black man in 2009 after an alleged Ku Klux Klan document was seen on display at the officer's house. The authorities said that Mr. Johnson had repeatedly hit the officer in the head with a blunt object. The public radio program aired the first part, titled A Couple Walks Into a House on Jan. 21, and the second part, A City Walks Into an Investigation on Jan. 28. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Monday Thursday: 8:00am 5:30pm Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot loses reelection bid, Fiery train crash in Greece kills dozens, many of them students. Muskegon Police Officer Charles Anderson's employment was terminated during a disciplinary hearing that wrapped up at approximately 3 p.m., Muskegon City Manager Frank Peterson told MLive. Anderson said the unsigned KKK application from the 1920s is a historic item, purchased from a vendor in Indiana and collected as part of his interest in American history and antiques. Kayla Renie / Muskegon Chronicle via AP Link copied Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Officer Charles Anderson of the Muskegon Police Department gives his testimony at the Muskegon County Hall of Justice, in Muskegon on Wednesday, March 20, 2019. racist memorabilia found in his home that was for sale, was placed on administrative leave last month. They also had seen Andersons Muskegon Police uniform and realized a police officer owned the home, the couple said. The city announced on Aug. 8 that Officer Anderson, who is white and had been with the department for more than two decades, had been placed on administrative leave after he was found in possession of certain items associated with a white supremacist group. That announcement came one day after Rob Mathis, the prospective homebuyer, posted on Facebook the photo of the application, which is blank. ARPA Details And when he went upstairs, he saw the framed K.K.K. 8617, Amy Gerard Although details of the investigation have not been released, Jeffrey Lewis, chief of the Police Department and Muskegons director of public safety, told the citys commissioners on Aug. 27, What you saw on social media is pretty much the way it is.. application hanging on the wall. 1:00 A white Muskegon police officer created a controversy within the city last month after a black man discovered Ku Klux Klan memorabilia inside his home, which was up for sale. Ext. The report states they refused to comply with Andersons commands and Reyna Mathis "struck him in the face and eye with her hand." Rob Mathis posted a picture of the framed KKK application on Facebook, at the time knowing the home belonged to a Muskegon Police officer. After seeing the framed KKK document, Knights of the Ku Klux Klan Application for Citizenship, Army veteran and prospective homebuyer Rob Mathis took to Facebook to share what he saw. He bought the application about six years ago in Indiana. "I was just so disgusted," Mathis told MLive.com. The Muskegon Police Department announced on Aug. 8 that it had opened an internal investigation after a social media post was "brought to its attention" accusing the veteran officer of "being in possession of certain items associated with a white supremacy group.". Ext. Friday, Saturday, Sunday: Closed. Finally we hear the officer - and his wife - explain themselves. Still, the couple said, they have no regrets in reporting what they witnessed. Records from the Michigan Department of Corrections show Robertson was arrested in Muskegon County in 2006 and served 12 years in prison. Officer Charles Anderson. Sign up for email updates from the City of Muskegon, including information on major events, traffic and other important city projects. A five-page separation agreement between the City of Muskegon, officer Charles Anderson, and the Police Officers Labor Council was signed by all parties in April. The department assures the public that they are investigating the allegations. "I feel as though we are being punished because of something we saw in a home that we never asked to see.". An unsettling discovery in the home of a local police officer rocks an entire city. Full credit: Kayla Renie/Muskegon Chronicle/AP. Through the professional practice of law enforcement and in partnership with our citizenry, we will create and maintain a safe and secure community; protecting life and property, reducing crime, responding with compassion and establishing a high level of public trust that together improves the quality of life in our community. MUSKEGON, Mich. (WOOD) A Muskegon police officer is under investigation and on paid administrative leave after items associated with a white supremacy group were found at his home. The report includes an executive summary written by Muskegon Police Chief Jeffrey Lewis that concluded that some community leaders indicated that they had lost faith in Anderson and in the entire police department as a result of Anderson's actions. In his Facebook post, Mathis said he also saw Confederate flags throughout the home. Reyna Mathis, the realtor and Anderson's colleagues were also interviewed for the report. Ten years ago, Officer Anderson shot and killed Julius Johnson, an unarmed black man, during a foot chase. The Muskegon County prosecutors office earlier told MLive that it will wait for the results of the police department's inquiry before it decides whether to reevaluate a 2009 incident in which Anderson fatally shot a 23-year-old unarmed black man. In2016, a complaint stated that the officer did not give back a driver's license to an arrestee and that he did not secure a vehicle after the arrest. Muskegon, MI Muskegon police officer Charles Anderson has been placed on paid vacation and not fired after racist KKK memorabilia was discovered in his home. In September 2019, five weeks after their Facebook post about the discovery, city officials concluded that Anderson had lost the publics trust and was fired. Anderson is on paid administrative leave after an apparent . Anderson, who had been with the department for more than two decades, denied ever being a KKK member or supporter and said that the Confederate items Mathis saw in his home are a "very small part" of an extensive collection of "Dukes of Hazard memorabilia he has spent decades gathering, according to the report. Charles Anderson, the Michigan police officer found to have KKK memorabilia in his home, has been fired following a disciplinary hearing within the Muskegon Police Department. He said that he and his wife, brother and son had toured the officers house in early August with a realtor. The Muskegon Police Department, Officer Anderson and the Police Officers Association of Michigan did not immediately respond to calls and emails seeking comment on Friday. A prospective homebuyer found Confederate flags and a framed Ku Klux Klan application in the officers house in Holton, Mich. As a subscriber, you have 10 gift articles to give each month. Officer Charles Anderson testifies in Muskegon, Michigan, March 20, 2019. Neither Anderson nor the officers union, the Police Officers Labor Council, could immediately be reached for comment Monday. It explores the case of former Muskegon Police Officer Charles "Chuck" Anderson who was fired after a Black couple from Muskegon, potential homebuyers, reported on social media they found. Muskegon Police Officer Charles Anderson served his department for 22 years. ARPA Community Grant Program Details + Application, Authorities & Business Improvement Districts, Lot Division/Combination and New Address Applications, 2008 Downtown and Lakeshore Redevelopment Plan, Muskegon Lake Shoreline Assessment Report, 1997 Downtown/Lakeshore Redevelopment Plan, Downtown Development Authority/Brownfield Redevelopment Board, Crime Activity and Traffic Team Lieutenant, Sanford St and Houston Ave Road Construction, Sherman Blvd and Glenside Blvd Road Construction, Roberts St Road Construction and Water Service Line Replacement, Winter Parking Restrictions Begin December 1. Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. 2023 City of Muskegon. "Whether or not officer Anderson has racist tendencies or not, would that move the needle one way or another? That was the owner of the house, Officer Charles Anderson, who, at the time, was a 21-year veteran of the Muskegon Police Department. application had drawn hundreds of messages, some supporting what he had done and others condemning or threatening him. Charles Anderson, the Michigan police officer found to have KKK memorabilia in his home, has been fired following a disciplinary hearing within the Muskegon Police Department. Charles Anderson was fired from the Muskegon Police Department on September 12 following an investigation after potential homebuyers said they saw a framed KKK application and Confederate. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. There was another incident involving the Mathises themselves, who said they didnt realize their run-in was with Anderson, in which Reyna Mathis initially was charged with assaulting Anderson. Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. Among new information Calhoun uncovered was the fact Lewis conducted his own investigation apart from the formal one conducted by the police departments internal affairs team that found, in the chiefs words, Anderson seemed to have a lot of problems with African Americans throughout his career., In coming to that conclusion, Lewis referenced earlier concerns about Anderson and recounted a cell phone video of Anderson he had seen online about a year earlier. It also said officers shall "perform all duties impartially, without favor or affection or ill will and without regard to status, sex, race, religion, political belief or aspiration," according to MLive.com. IE 11 is not supported. I was disgusted even being in that house.. Anderson said he feared for his life, according to the findings of an investigation report created by then-Muskegon County Prosecutor Tony Tague. It also states officers have a duty to avoid, both on and off duty, conduct that reflects unfavorably on the department, including any behavior that brings the department disrepute, discredits the individual as a member of the department, or impairs the operation, effectiveness or efficiency of the department and/or its members.. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now. Mathis, who is Black, said he felt disgusted by what he saw. "The emotional health and safety of this community is what is most important to me," Lewis said Friday, adding that the city and county "are very serious about this." A Michigan police officer has been fired from the Muskegon Police Department following an inquiry into racist memorabilia found in his home that was for sale. Hilson told the outlet in Aug. I guess I cant answer that question. Kayla Renie/Muskegon Chronicle, via Associated Press. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Charles Anderson, who had been with the Muskegon Police Department for more than two decades, denied ever being a Ku Klux Klan member or supporter. Reyna and Robert Mathis said they believe the department tried to tarnish their images to make Anderson look good and as if the couple was seeking revenge after 11 years. This is, this is, oh, Im getting out of here,' " he said. Patrick.Vandommelen2@mcd911.net Police in Muskegon, Michigan, launched an internal investigation of officer Charles Anderson last week after the would-be homebuyer, who is black, said he discovered a Confederate flag display and a framed Ku Klux Klan application during a tour of the home. Peterson said the entire inquiry report would likely be released sometime next week. Anyone can read what you share. Rob Mathis posted this photo of a framed Ku Klux Klan application, which he said he had seen hanging in the house of Officer Charles Anderson, on Facebook last month. She said she only realized after the report was released Monday that the officer she was accused of assaulting was Anderson. His post went viral. Deasha.Hill@mcd911.net / CBS/AP. 1119 Police Clerk Deasha Hill Deasha.Hill@mcd911.net Ext. MUSKEGON, Mich. A white Muskegon police officer who displayed Ku Klux Klan memorabilia inside his home, which was up for sale, will retire with benefits from the department at the end of the year. The Muskegon Police Department Policy and Procedure Order does not specifically ban private displays of racist materials, MLive reports. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Anderson has never spoken with the media about the case, and the producer of the This American Life programs didnt have luck reaching him either. Anderson said the reason for the KKK application is related to his passion for U.S. history from the late 1800s to the 1960s. They said they thought it odd there were items with Confederate flags in the garage and home, but Rob Mathis told Calhoun he was undone when he saw a framed application to join the KKK in one of the bedrooms. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Anderson was pursuing 23-year-old Julius Johnson during a traffic stop on Sept. 23, 2009. Police officers will, therefore, avoid any conduct that might compromise integrity and thus undercut the public confidence in the officer or this law or this law enforcement agency, it says. It was basically telling me, whites only to purchase his house. I dont know. Mathis was disturbed not only by the flag but also because Anderson was a police officer. Nothing was revealed to us that shocked us, Chief Lewis said of the investigation. Johnson had scuffled with Anderson, who was beaten in the head. The City of Muskegon released a more than 400-page report on Monday that includes transcripts of interviews with Anderson and the man who posted images on social media that spurred the investigation, Robert Mathis. The Muskegon Police Department, Officer Anderson and the Police Officers Association of Michigan did not immediately respond to calls and emails seeking comment on Friday. Officer Charles Anderson of the Muskegon Police Department gives his testimony at the Muskegon County Hall of Justice, on March 20, 2019. When Calhoun pressed her on how that might be offensive and scary to some people, Rachel Anderson said that didnt change her opinion. Officer. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. Last August Rob Mathis, who is black, toured Anderson's home in Holton with his wife Reyna and a Realtor. The way things are now, everybody is offended over something, and who knows what that might be? she said. D.J. However, it does outline that officers should not conduct themselves in a way that would compromise public trust. Officer Charles Anderson of the Muskegon Police Department gives his testimony at the Muskegon County Hall of Justice on March 20, 2019. Friday, Saturday, Sunday: Closed. The inquiry into Anderson unearthed new complaints made against him that Lewis said will be investigated, according to the report. It explores the case of former Muskegon Police Officer Charles Chuck Anderson who was fired after a Black couple from Muskegon, potential homebuyers, reported on social media they found racist material in Andersons Holton home that was for sale. 2023 City of Muskegon. Crime Prevention Association of Michigan (CPAM), Address1990 E. Apple AvenueMuskegon, MI 49442, Office HoursMonday-Friday 8:00 AM 4:45 PM (Closed 1:00 PM 2:00 PM for Lunch Hour), ContactPhone: (231) 777-1666(For Non-Emergencies Only), Tim A. Thielbar A two-part series by the "This American Life" public radio program explores the case of former Muskegon Police Officer Charles Chuck Anderson, shown here in a file photo, who was fired after a Black couple from Muskegon, potential homebuyers, reported on social media they found racist material in Andersons Holton home that was for sale. During Anderson's remaining time on no-pay statues he'll not have access to employment-related benefits. I guess I can't answer that question," Hilson told the newspaper. ARPA Community Grant Program Details + Application 1117, Patrick Vandommelen The Ku Klux Klan document Robert Mathis says was on display at Muskegon Police Officer Charles Anderson's house. Charles Anderson was fired from the Muskegon Police Department on Sept. 13. A white Michigan police officer fired after a framed Ku Klux Klan application and Confederate flags were found in his home, denied being a racist in an inquiry into the items and said he collected antiques and memorabilia linked to The Dukes of Hazzard television series. Mathis said he had received death threats after uploading the images to Facebook. Peterson refused to provide further details about what was discussed during the disciplinary hearing, but said that a redacted version of the inquiry into . Read MLive coverage of the Charles Anderson case: Fired Muskegon officers personnel file reflects shooting incidents, high praise, Mortified Michigan couple talk about finding KKK memorabilia in officers home, City fires police officer who had KKK memorabilia in home, Ex-police officer says KKK document was an antique, denies being racist, Interview with ex-officer sheds light on racist memorabilia found in home. I need a completed internal investigation.". Charles Anderson was fired from the Muskegon Police Department on Sept. 13. Mathis is a U.S. Army veteran who was bornin Detroit. Anderson served on the Muskegon police force since 1997. The This American Life programs include interviews with the couple, Rob and Reyna Mathis; Muskegon City Manager Frank Peterson; Muskegon Police Chief Jeffrey Lewis; and Andersons wife, Rachel Anderson. Frank Peterson, the city manager of Muskegon, confirmed on Friday that the officer, Charles Anderson, had been terminated, but said a report on the inquiry conducted by the Muskegon Police Department would not be released until next week. Use of and/or registration on any portion of this site constitutes acceptance of our User Agreement, Privacy Policy and Cookie Statement, and Your Privacy Choices and Rights (each updated 1/26/2023). As the family walked around, he said, his wife noticed a police officers coat, and he saw two more Confederate flags in the garage. Radio producer Ben Calhoun explored how the Mathises were negatively impacted by the case, other complaints regarding Andersons interaction with Black citizens and the difficulty in rooting out racist officers. Tim.Thielbar@mcd911.net 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. Lewis was not sure if an officer keeping such items in his home would violate department policies. He said the flags are part of his extensive "Dukes of Hazzard" collection.
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