Janelle Griffith is a national reporter for NBC News focusing on issues of race and policing. Ext. Anderson placed Reyna under arrest for refusing to follow his orders, and she struck him in the face and eye with her hand, causing minor injury. The stationreported that since posting the KKK application on Facebook, Robert and Reyna Mathis have receiveddeath threats. 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. When asked if hecontactedone of the owners, Mathis said he did not. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Muskegon Police Officer Charles Anderson was placed on paid administrative leave after a house hunter who was viewing the officer's home said he saw a framed Ku Klux Klan application and. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. His post went viral. 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. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Kayla Renie / Muskegon Chronicle via AP Link copied Subscribe to our YouTube channel. She said she only realized after the report was released Monday that the officer she was accused of assaulting was Anderson. August 12, 2019 / 10:44 AM The inquiry into Anderson unearthed new complaints made against him that Lewis said will be investigated, according to the report. racist memorabilia found in his home that was for sale, was placed on administrative leave last month. 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. ARPA Details And they said they sent their daughter away to live with an aunt after they saw a photo on social media of their daughter playing in their front yard with the message we know where you live. Extra troubling was the fact their home was 500 feet from the road set back in some woods, Calhoun pointed out. Long-lost ship found in Lake Huron, confirming tragic story, Ottawa County Board passes motion revising resolution that hired administrative health officer in December, 13 On Your Side Forecast: Minor Wintry Mix This Morning, Consumers Energy restores nearly 90% of state's power, Report: Fired Muskegon officer says he's an antique collector, Residents say Muskegon officer with KKK document has racist history, Threat made against man who found KKK document in Muskegon officer's home, Muskegon NAACP calls for review of officer's arrests and traffic stops. The citizen complaints were investigated by the department and Anderson was exonerated in both cases, the report states. Charles Anderson was fired from the Muskegon Police Department on Sept. 13. I walked into the most racist home Ive ever been in in my life, Mr. Mathis said. IE 11 is not supported. The agreement also means a wrongful termination grievance Anderson and the Police Officers Labor Council filed against the city following the firing will be withdrawn. Anderson adamantly denied he is a part of the KKK and pointed out that as a Catholic, he would be considered "a target" of the hate group. Sign up for email updates from the City of Muskegon, including information on major events, traffic and other important city projects. He was cleared of wrongdoing in the 2009 shooting of an unarmed black man, who, an investigation found, used Anderson's police radio and . Hilson said the investigation's results will drive reconsideration of the 2009 case, according to MLive.com. This is, this is, oh, Im getting out of here,' " he said. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10214761835347198&set=a.1058959801946&type=3. Reyna went to jail for the incident. Officer Anderson On the Job. 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. The City of Muskegon has a population of about 37,000, according to census data. The City of Muskegon released a more than 400-page report on Monday that includes transcripts of interviews with. 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 Now, the. Lawsuits claim it wrecked their teeth. He was subsequently cleared of any wrongdoing when the shooting was deemed to be an act of self-defense. 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. I was disgusted even being in that house.. Deasha.Hill@mcd911.net Officer Charles Anderson. In his Facebook post, Mathis said he also saw Confederate flags throughout the home. I wish we could because it would probably set a lot of things straight," Rachael Anderson told the television station when a reporter came to the couple's door. Officer Andersons wife, Rachael Anderson, told WOOD-TV, a local television station, that her husband was not a Klan member. 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. The report states they refused to comply with Andersons commands and Reyna Mathis "struck him in the face and eye with her hand." According to the findings of an investigation from the county's prosecutor, Johnson beat Anderson in. MUSKEGON, MI - Former Muskegon police officer Charles Anderson vehemently denied being a racist and told police investigators that the Ku Klux Klan application found in his home was an. The document was obtained by 13 On Your Side through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request this week. All Rights Reserved. Nothing was revealed to us that shocked us, Chief Lewis said of the investigation. Officer Charles Anderson testifies in Muskegon, Michigan, March 20, 2019. Although Rob and Reyna Mathis originally debated whether to share the photos publicly, they said they felt a need to inform the community about what they had witnessed. The executive summary noted two citizen complaints against Anderson that the department was aware of. 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. Mr. Mathis said he reached out to Officer Anderson and Chief Lewis but never heard from them. In a report released by Muskegon City Manager Frank Peterson last year officer Charles Anderson claimed the framed Ku Klux Klan application on a bedroom wall at his home was part of an antiques collection. Amy.Gerard3@mcd911.net The city's investigation claims items with images of Confederate flags at Anderson's home were part of a "Dukes of Hazzard" collection. Muskegon Police Officer Charles Anderson served his department for 22 years. MUSKEGON, Mich. (WOOD) The Muskegon police officer who had Ku Klux Klan memorabilia in his home has lost his job. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. Rob Mathis posted a picture of the framed KKK application on Facebook, at the time knowing the home belonged to a Muskegon Police officer. The former officer said the reason for having the items is his love for history anda classic TV show. Effective December 31, 2020, Anderson's employment with the city will end by way of his retirement. IE 11 is not supported. Robert was issued a citation and released from the scene. Officer Charles Anderson of the Muskegon Police Department gives his testimony at the Muskegon County Hall of Justice, on March 20, 2019. The county prosecutor at the time determined that Mr. Anderson had shot in self-defense and cleared him of any wrongdoing. 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. Have a news tip? 1119, Deasha Hill 13 On Your Side obtained a separation agreement between the City of Muskegon and Charles Anderson through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. He posted a picture on Facebook of a framed KKK application he found. 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. During Anderson's 22-year career as a police officer, he had two complaints made against him. Charles Anderson was fired from the Muskegon Police Department on Sept. 13. Anderson was placed on leave pending an investigation that began Aug. 8. 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. The Mathises discuss the backlash they received, including receiving threats and having racial slurs hurled at them. Anderson was fired from the department on Sept. 12, following a lengthy investigation into the accusation. Peterson said the entire inquiry report would likely be released sometime next week. The Muskegon Police Department opened an internal investigation after Robert Mathis, who is black, posted a picture of the document on Facebook after touring Anderson's Holton-area home, which was for sale. 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. She was sentenced to 60 days and $414 in fines. When Calhoun pressed her on how that might be offensive and scary to some people, Rachel Anderson said that didnt change her opinion. Anderson is on paid administrative leave after an apparent Ku Klux Klan document was seen framed on a wall of his home. Last month, Anderson was outed when a couple, the Mathises, toured his home that was for sale. Close alerts. 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. 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. He bought the application about six years ago in Indiana. In 2009, Anderson fatally shot a 23-year-old unarmed Black man Julius Allen-Ray Johnson. Charles Anderson was fired from the Muskegon Police Department on September 12 following an investigation after potential homebuyers said they saw a . The Ku Klux Klan document Robert Mathis says was on display at Muskegon Police Officer Charles Anderson's house. Lewis questioned Andersons claim that the Confederate flags in his home were part of an extensive Dukes of Hazzard television show collection, telling Calhoun that Anderson never produced requested photos of the collection and so That bucket didnt hold water.. The separation agreement states Anderson will remain on unpaid status until December 30, 2020. ARPA Community Grant Program Details + Application Ext. 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. "I was just so disgusted," Mathis told MLive.com. The former police officer did not remove the item from the wall because he forgot it was in his antique collection room. ", Example video title will go here for this video. 1119 Police Clerk Deasha Hill Deasha.Hill@mcd911.net Ext. Janelle Griffith is a national reporter for NBC News focusing on issues of race and policing. 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.. 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. First published on August 12, 2019 / 10:44 AM. Officer Charles Anderson of the Muskegon Police Department gives his testimony at the Muskegon County Hall of Justice, on March 20, 2019. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot loses reelection bid, Fiery train crash in Greece kills dozens, many of them students. 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.. Peterson refused to provide further details about what was discussed during the disciplinary hearing, but said that a redacted version of the inquiry into . The report confirmed that the officer had six encounters with Robert and Reyna Mathis, datingto July 2008. 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. "I don't know. If you have any questions or are looking for further information, please call, send us an email, or visit us. All rights reserved (About Us). Referring to Officer Anderson, Mr. Mathis said: Its unfortunate that hes in our community, because he might have put people in jail on false charges, especially minorities. 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. They also had seen Andersons Muskegon Police uniform and realized a police officer owned the home, the couple said. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. 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. 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, IA 19-06 Official Report Charles Anderson Inquiry with redactions. Full credit: Kayla Renie/Muskegon Chronicle/AP. Anderson was cleared in late 2009 of any wrongdoing in the fatal shooting of Julius Allen-Ray Johnson. Instead, the city released the more than 400-page investigative report that didnt find any pattern of problems with Black citizens that Lewis said hed uncovered. MUSKEGON, Mich. (AP) A white Michigan police officer whose house had an apparent Ku Klux Klan document on display and for sale has been fired. Ext. An unsettling discovery in the home of a local police officer rocks an entire city. 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. During the radio broadcast, the Mathises recounted their hesitancy in reporting what they had seen in Andersons home and the backlash they received after they did. Address 1990 E. Apple Avenue Muskegon, MI 49442 Office Hours Monday-Friday 8:00 AM - 4:45 PM (Closed 1:00 PM - 2:00 PM for Lunch Hour) Contact Phone: (231) 777-1666 (For Non-Emergencies Only) FOR ALL EMERGENCIES DIAL 911 Chief of Police Tim A. Thielbar Tim.Thielbar@mcd911.net Ext. "Whether or not officer Anderson has racist tendencies or not, would that move the needle one way or another? Records from the Michigan Department of Corrections show Robertson was arrested in Muskegon County in 2006 and served 12 years in prison. Anderson was pursuing 23-year-old Julius Johnson during a traffic stop on Sept. 23, 2009. "We would not take back what weve done no matter how weve been treated or portrayed," Reyna Mathis said. A police officer in Michigan was terminated on Thursday after a prospective homebuyer who had been touring the officers house posted a picture on social media of a framed Ku Klux Klan application he had seen there, spurring an internal investigation. 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. 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. 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. application had drawn hundreds of messages, some supporting what he had done and others condemning or threatening him. Officer. 2023 City of Muskegon. 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. Neither Anderson nor the officers union, the Police Officers Labor Council, could immediately be reached for comment. His charges included resisting an officer and fleeing. Robertson says Anderson is the officer who made the arrest. Friday, Saturday, Sunday: Closed. "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." Mathis, who is black, said he became displeased when he saw the Confederate flags, and the KKK application was a deal-breaker for making an offer on the house. 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. Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. / CBS/AP. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 2019 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. He saidhe's had run-ins with police and mighthave been arrested by Anderson. The Muskegon Police Department Policy and Procedure Order does not specifically ban private displays of racist materials, MLive reports. 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