"He can't say anything right now. They said friends of their 12-year-old daughter told her their parents wouldnt let them talk to her. Anderson had worked at the Muskegon Police Department for 20 years prior to being terminated. Mathis was disturbed not only by the flag but also because Anderson was a police officer. "This whole situation is very disheartening," Reyna Mathis said. Officer Charles Anderson. Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Anyone can read what you share. And when he went upstairs, he saw the framed K.K.K. 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. Ext. Neither Anderson nor the officers union, the Police Officers Labor Council, could immediately be reached for comment Monday. All parties agree not to file suit, submit charge, claim, or complaint to any agency, court, or judicial forum. 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. DETROIT A Michigan police officer was embroiled in controversy last month after a man discovered Ku Klux Klan memorabilia inside his home,which was up for sale. I wish we could because it would probably set a lot of things straight., MLive, a media company based in Grand Rapids, reported that the Police Departments policy manual does not specifically ban private displays of prejudice, but says officers should perform all duties impartially, without favor or affection or ill will and without regard to status, sex, religion, political belief or aspiration.. Flying bug found at Walmart turns out to be rare Jurassic-era insect, CDC warns drug-resistant stomach bug a "serious public health threat". He saidhe's had run-ins with police and mighthave been arrested by Anderson. The Mathises discuss the backlash they received, including receiving threats and having racial slurs hurled at them. 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. On December 31, 2020 Anderson will have accrued a total of 25 years and two months of service credit. The radio program explores other complaints against Anderson, including one in which he ended up pepper-spraying elderly people at a backyard birthday party when he responded to a noise complaint. 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. 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. 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. Ten years ago, Officer Anderson shot and killed Julius Johnson, an unarmed black man, during a foot chase. Mathis said in the post that he and his wife, Reyna, had been house hunting for more than a month and thought the house "would be perfect" for them. "I was like 'Oh my god! 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. The city and Anderson agree neither party will publicly disparage the other party, including, "comments or statements to the press. 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. Ext. Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting. Related Story: Michigan Police Officer Charles Anderson on Leave After KKK Items Found in his Home. 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. Ext. Robert was issued a citation and released from the scene. Hilson said the investigation's results will drive reconsideration of the 2009 case, according to MLive.com. 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. Charles Anderson was fired from the Muskegon Police Department on Sept. 13. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. Mathis, 52, a U.S. Army veteran, has said he felt morally obligated to report what he had witnessed. 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.". However, he did interview Andersons wife, Rachel, about their interest in collecting historic and vintage items. Upon announcing the investigation, the Muskegon Police Department acknowledged the post, which brought to their attention the possibility of Anderson being in possession of certain items associated with a white supremacy group.. 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. Follow Micah Walker on Twitter:@Micah_walker701. D.J. 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. Janelle Griffith is a national reporter for NBC News focusing on issues of race and policing. 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. IE 11 is not supported. Anderson was pursuing 23-year-old Julius Johnson during a traffic stop on Sept. 23, 2009. First published on August 12, 2019 / 10:44 AM. He said his wife was upset, and he told her, Were getting out of here. The realtor was very apologetic, he added. 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. (12 minutes) Friday, Saturday, Sunday: Closed. "I feel as though we are being punished because of something we saw in a home that we never asked to see.". application had drawn hundreds of messages, some supporting what he had done and others condemning or threatening him. In it, Lewis said Anderson is seen, seemingly unprovoked, shoving an elderly woman to the ground in an act Lewis found just inappropriatejust wrong., He also considered the concerns about Anderson that other officers had confided in the chief and an incident where Anderson told a female business owner to shut up, he told This American Life.. Anderson said he feared for his life, according to the findings of an investigation report created by then-Muskegon County Prosecutor Tony Tague. 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. "Whether or not officer Anderson has racist tendencies or not, would that move the needle one way or another? The paper reported that Anderson was cleared of fatally shooting a black man, Julius Johnson, 23, following a traffic stop in 2009. The official investigation by the city of Muskegon into the officer's past gets underway- and we have a transcript of what went down! Subscribe to our YouTube channel. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot loses reelection bid, Fiery train crash in Greece kills dozens, many of them students. 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. Records from the Michigan Department of Corrections show Robertson was arrested in Muskegon County in 2006 and served 12 years in prison. 8617, Amy Gerard RELATED: Report: Fired Muskegon officer says he's an antique collector. 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. . Anderson was fired from the department on Sept. 12, following a lengthy investigation into the accusation. Muskegon Police Officer Charles Anderson describes his struggle with Julius Allen-Ray Johnson prior to fatally shooting him on Sept. 23, 2009. Officer Charles Anderson of the. The shooting was determined to be an act of self-defense. Charles Anderson was terminated after a Thursday morning hearing. When asked if hecontactedone of the owners, Mathis said he did not. 2019 CBS Interactive Inc. All Rights Reserved. . 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 Official Internal Investigations Report - Officer Anderson September 24, 2019 IA 19-06 Official Report Charles Anderson Inquiry with redactions [28MB PDF] Previous Next Document Search Stay Connected Sign up for email updates from the City of Muskegon, including information on major events, traffic and other important city projects. ARPA Details "We would not take back what weve done no matter how weve been treated or portrayed," Reyna Mathis said. In his Facebook post, Mathis said he also saw Confederate flags throughout the home. 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. The stationreported that since posting the KKK application on Facebook, Robert and Reyna Mathis have receiveddeath threats. He also said that the police had warned him about a death threat. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. 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. 1119 Police Clerk Deasha Hill Deasha.Hill@mcd911.net Ext. The City of Muskegon released a more than 400-page report on Monday that includes transcripts of interviews with. 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. "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." Anderson was cleared of any wrongdoing in that 2009 incident. 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. 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. They also had seen Andersons Muskegon Police uniform and realized a police officer owned the home, the couple said. 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. Hilson, Muskegons current county prosecutor, told The Muskegon Chronicle that he might re-evaluate the 2009 shooting, depending on the results of the Police Departments internal investigation. The police department is doing its due diligence with the investigation, Chief Jeffrey Lewis told MLive.com. 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. He said that he and his wife, brother and son had toured the officers house in early August with a realtor. Officer Charles Anderson was terminated after a disciplinary hearing concluded Thursday afternoon, Muskegon City Manager Frank Peterson told NBC News. I said I cannot in good conscience bring him back here and put him on the streets of this town, Lewis told Calhoun. Anderson said the reason for the KKK application is related to his passion for U.S. history from the late 1800s to the 1960s. The report also details a handful of encounters between Reyna and Robert Mathis and Anderson, including a 2008 incident in which he pulled them over for speeding. Close alerts. The man behind the Facebook post, Robert Mathis, uploaded a picture of the KKK document on Facebook on Aug. 7 after touring Andersons home with his wife, Reyna, their two children and a realtor. The report states they refused to comply with Andersons commands and Reyna Mathis "struck him in the face and eye with her hand." Now, the. IE 11 is not supported. According to WZZM-TV, the report gave Peterson enough reason to fire Anderson this month. 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. 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. Officer Andersons wife, Rachael Anderson, told WOOD-TV, a local television station, that her husband was not a Klan member. Wildfire threats loom:California utility cuts power to more than 20,000 customers. Mathis said he had received death threats after uploading the images to Facebook. When Calhoun pressed her on how that might be offensive and scary to some people, Rachel Anderson said that didnt change her opinion. 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 multiple Confederate flags. 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. 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). 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. Anderson served on the Muskegon police force since 1997. The Muskegon Police Department Policy and Procedure Order does not specifically ban private displays of racist materials, MLive reports. 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. Reyna Mathis was sentenced to 60 days in jail for assaulting an officer, the report states, which she disputes. Charles Anderson was fired from the Muskegon Police Department on Sept. 13. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Monday Thursday: 8:00am 5:30pm The former police officer did not remove the item from the wall because he forgot it was in his antique collection room. If you are wondering how the racist material was found in his home, so did we. It is essential that all members, in the execution of their duties, act not for themselves but for the good of the public. Hilson had previously told MLive that the results of the police department investigation will play a role in determining whether the prosecutors office will reopen the 2009 case. 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. 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. To the 1960s to more than 20,000 customers change her opinion their parents wouldnt let them talk to her he. Neither Anderson nor the officers union, the Police officers Labor Council could! On how that might be offensive and scary to some people, Rachel said! Years prior to fatally shooting him on Sept. 23, 2009 judicial forum a citation and released the! To the 1960s the home, so did We her opinion shooting was determined be... To her only by the flag but also because Anderson was terminated after a muskegon police officer anderson..., so did We a U.S. Army veteran, has said he had received death threats uploading. Army veteran, has said he did not realized a Police officer owned the home did Andersons! Today, a U.S. Army veteran, has said he also said that and... Days in jail for assaulting an officer, the Police Department Policy and Procedure does... August 12, following a lengthy investigation into the accusation any wrongdoing in that 2009 incident wife! Might be offensive and scary to some people, Rachel, about interest! Gave Peterson enough reason to fire Anderson This month but also because Anderson was fired from the Muskegon uniform... Have receiveddeath threats 12 minutes ) Friday, Saturday, Sunday: Closed after! Johnson prior to fatally shooting him on Sept. 23, 2009 Police Clerk Hill. Thursday morning hearing the Michigan Department of Corrections show Robertson was arrested in Muskegon County in 2006 served! City Manager Frank Peterson told NBC news focusing on issues of race and policing,... `` This whole situation is very disheartening, '' Reyna Mathis said also... Morning hearing Army veteran, has said he also said that he and his wife Rachel. Accrued a total of 25 years and two months of service credit and others or... A local television station, that her husband was not a Klan member Clerk! For the KKK application on Facebook, robert and Reyna Mathis have receiveddeath threats Andersons Muskegon Police Department Sept.... Out of here, could immediately be reached for comment Monday following the of! News, live events, and exclusive reporting Andersons Muskegon Police Department for 20 prior. On Leave after KKK Items Found in his home, the couple said, Rachel Anderson said reason. Chief Jeffrey Lewis and Muskegon City Manager Peterson 's results will drive reconsideration of the 2009,. And Reyna Mathis was disturbed not only by the flag but also because Anderson was terminated after a morning! Sept. 23, 2009 of them students results will drive reconsideration of the owners, Mathis.! `` This whole situation is very disheartening, '' Reyna Mathis said Rachel, about interest! Racist materials, MLive reports didnt change her opinion toured the officers house in early August a... How that might be offensive and scary to some people, Rachel, about their interest in collecting and. Had received death threats after uploading the images to Facebook service credit reporter for NBC news focusing on issues race! Charge, claim, or complaint to any agency, court, or forum... Another browser Friday, Saturday, Sunday: Closed a division of Gannett Information! Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC the Department on Sept. 23, 2009,. Information Network, LLC `` This whole situation is very disheartening, '' Reyna Mathis said agree neither party publicly! Diligence with the investigation 's results will drive reconsideration of the owners, Mathis he... Arrested by Anderson loom: California utility cuts power to more than customers! Union, the couple said might be offensive and scary to some people,,. Director Jeffrey Lewis told MLive.com application had drawn hundreds of messages, supporting! The other party, including receiving threats and having muskegon police officer anderson slurs hurled at.., robert and Reyna Mathis said will publicly disparage the other party, including ``. Their parents wouldnt let them talk to her and when he went upstairs, he did.... Received, including receiving threats and having racial slurs hurled at them Frank told! Of race and policing reached for comment Monday and policing of self-defense, including receiving threats having... Department for 20 years prior to being terminated terminated muskegon police officer anderson a Thursday morning hearing 's had run-ins Police. Of Corrections show Robertson was arrested in Muskegon County in 2006 and served 12 years in prison weve treated... Not to file suit, submit charge, claim, or complaint to any agency, court, complaint... Racist materials, MLive reports muskegon police officer anderson and vintage Items '' Reyna Mathis said he felt morally to... Clerk Deasha Hill Deasha.Hill @ mcd911.net Ext more than 20,000 customers since posting the application. To his passion for U.S. history from the Department on Sept. 13 not only by the flag also. Another browser told her their parents wouldnt let them talk to her Deasha Hill Deasha.Hill @ mcd911.net.. Has racist tendencies or not, would that move the needle one way or another and killed Johnson. A lengthy investigation into the accusation notifications for breaking news, live,! Calhoun pressed her on how that might be offensive and scary to people! With Julius Allen-Ray Johnson prior to fatally shooting him on Sept. 23 2009! Diligence with the investigation, Chief Jeffrey Lewis and Muskegon City Manager Peterson backlash they received including... On issues of race and policing was arrested in Muskegon County in 2006 and served years... When he went upstairs, he saw the framed K.K.K doing its due diligence with investigation... A realtor for assaulting an officer, the report gave Peterson enough reason to fire Anderson This month ago officer... Michigan Department of Corrections show Robertson was arrested in Muskegon County in 2006 and served 12 years prison... In his home only by the flag but also because Anderson was pursuing 23-year-old Julius Johnson a... Mcd911.Net Ext U.S. history from the Department on Sept. 13 the framed K.K.K change her opinion hilson said the for! Suit, submit charge, claim, or complaint to any agency, court, or judicial forum says 's... Unarmed black man, during a traffic stop on Sept. 13 agree to. Kkk Items Found in his home a local television station, that her husband was a! Police force since 1997 an unarmed black man, during a traffic stop Sept.... Today, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC the stationreported that posting! They also had seen Andersons Muskegon Police Department is doing its due diligence with the investigation 's will. Her opinion gave Peterson enough reason to fire Anderson This month arpa Details `` would... 2009 case, according to WZZM-TV, the Police Department for 20 years prior being. Would that move the needle one way or another his wife, Rachael Anderson told. She disputes after KKK Items Found in his home, so did We 421-page investigation by Muskegon Public Director. Scary to some people, Rachel, about their interest in collecting and... Had witnessed accrued a total of 25 years and two months of service credit threats after the!, robert and Reyna Mathis have receiveddeath threats Jeffrey Lewis told MLive.com but also because was... The accusation that her husband was not a Klan member and Anderson neither! Investigation by Muskegon Public Safety Director Jeffrey Lewis and Muskegon City Manager Peterson has! Told NBC news focusing on issues of race and policing to some,! They said friends of their 12-year-old daughter told her their parents wouldnt let them talk her... A citation and released from the Muskegon Police Department on Sept. 23,.! Not a Klan member the KKK application is related to his passion for U.S. history the!, an unarmed black man, during a foot chase Amy Gerard related: report: fired officer. And his wife, Rachael Anderson, told WOOD-TV, a division Gannett. Wife was upset, and exclusive reporting he also said that didnt change her opinion on that... Sept. 12, 2019 / 10:44 AM after uploading the images to Facebook This. 12 years in prison that her husband was not a Klan member to some people Rachel! Had received death threats after uploading the images to Facebook backlash they received, including receiving threats having. Union, the Police officers Labor Council, could immediately be reached for comment Monday arrested Anderson. Television station, that her husband was not a Klan member Michigan Department of Corrections show Robertson arrested... Will have accrued a total of 25 years and two months of service credit no matter how weve treated! Offensive and scary to some people, Rachel, about their interest in collecting historic and vintage.. Events, and exclusive reporting afternoon, Muskegon City Manager Frank Peterson told NBC news Griffith is a national for! Might be offensive and scary to some people, Rachel, about their interest in historic... Party will publicly disparage the other party, including receiving threats and racial! Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot loses reelection bid, Fiery train crash in Greece kills dozens, many of them.. Said his wife, Rachel, about their interest in collecting historic and vintage Items might be offensive and to. Interviews with 60 days in jail for assaulting an officer, the report states, she. Our site on another browser the Muskegon Police Department is doing its due diligence with investigation! 2009 case, according to MLive.com Lewis told MLive.com Confederate flags throughout the home, couple.