Ext. Mathis, 52, a U.S. Army veteran, has said he felt morally obligated to report what he had witnessed. 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. Make it easy to keep up to date with more stories like this. The authorities said that Mr. Johnson had repeatedly hit the officer in the head with a blunt object. I walked into the most racist home Ive ever been in in my life, Mr. Mathis said. It is essential that all members, in the execution of their duties, act not for themselves but for the good of the public. Anderson served on the Muskegon police force since 1997. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. 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. And when he went upstairs, he saw the framed K.K.K. discovered Ku Klux Klan memorabilia inside his home, California utility cuts power to more than 20,000 customers, US Army soldier planned to kill 'antifa' activists, bomb a major news network, Your California Privacy Rights/Privacy Policy. [Go here for more about police violence and unrest]. This is a Klan house, really, we have to go right now.' Wildfire threats loom:California utility cuts power to more than 20,000 customers. Officer Charles Anderson of the. "I was just so disgusted," Mathis told MLive.com. 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. 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. Muskegon, MI - The veteran Muskegon police officer who was fired after a complaint that he had a vintage Ku Klux Klan (KKK) application hanging in his house had previous run-ins with his accusers. I need a completed internal investigation.". Mathis said he had received death threats after uploading the images to Facebook. Ten years ago, Officer Anderson shot and killed Julius Johnson, an unarmed black man, during a foot chase. 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. application had drawn hundreds of messages, some supporting what he had done and others condemning or threatening him. Ext. 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. Muskegon Police Officer Charles Anderson will retire with full benefits at the end of 2020, according to a separation agreement with the city. Anderson was cleared of any wrongdoing in. 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. Johnson had scuffled with Anderson, who was beaten in the head. Copyright 2023 CBS Interactive Inc. All rights reserved. After he posted the picture of the application and the messages poured in, he said, he was trying to explain all of this to my 12-year-old daughter., Its a bad apple, not all law enforcement, Mr. Mathis said. If you have any questions or are looking for further information, please call, send us an email, or visit us. Sign up for email updates from the City of Muskegon, including information on major events, traffic and other important city projects. Reyna went to jail for the incident. 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. 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. 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. Anderson said the reason for the KKK application is related to his passion for U.S. history from the late 1800s to the 1960s. Anderson is on paid administrative leave after an apparent . Officer Anderson On the Job. Still, the couple said, they have no regrets in reporting what they witnessed. ARPA Details 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. Application Was Found in His Home, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/13/us/officer-charles-anderson-ku-klux-klan.html. Mathis posted pictures of what he saw on Facebook and discovered the home belonged to Muskegon police officer Charles "Chuck" Anderson. The inquiry into Anderson unearthed new complaints made against him that Lewis said will be investigated, according to the report. 1119 Police Clerk Deasha Hill [email protected] Ext. MUSKEGON, Mich. (WOOD) The Muskegon police officer who had Ku Klux Klan memorabilia in his home has lost his job. 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. 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. If you are wondering how the racist material was found in his home, so did we. Anderson was cleared of any wrongdoing in that 2009 incident. Technically, he signed a separation agreement and walked away with his pension and health insurance. 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. An unsettling discovery in the home of a local police officer rocks an entire city. 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. 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. 1119, Deasha Hill 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.. [email protected] His wife, Rachael Anderson, told WOOD-TV her husband isn't a Klan member. Follow Micah Walker on Twitter:@Micah_walker701. The city's investigation claims items with images of Confederate flags at Anderson's home were part of a "Dukes of Hazzard" collection. When Calhoun pressed her on how that might be offensive and scary to some people, Rachel Anderson said that didnt change her opinion. He saidhe's had run-ins with police and mighthave been arrested by Anderson. 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. The former officer said the reason for having the items is his love for history anda classic TV show. The document was obtained by 13 On Your Side through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request this week. Last month, Anderson was outed when a couple, the Mathises, toured his home that was for sale. 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 official investigation by the city of Muskegon into the officer's past gets underway- and we have a transcript of what went down! However, it does outline that officers should not conduct themselves in a way that would compromise public trust. Former Muskegon police officer Charles Chuck Anderson was fired 10 days ago following an internal affairs investigation into the complaint by citizen Rob Mathis who saw a framed KKK. The report states they refused to comply with Andersons commands and Reyna Mathis "struck him in the face and eye with her hand." All rights reserved (About Us). Because he was a police officer, it was my moral obligation to say something about it.. The Ku Klux Klan document Robert Mathis says was on display at Muskegon Police Officer Charles Anderson's house. 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. I first read about this a couple years ago in the newspaper, the story with the attention-grabbing power of a bad joke. Anderson "loves everything" about the show and has been to the fan convention, Duke Fest, several times. Rob and Reyna Mathis, who live in Muskegon Township, said they felt a range of emotions, including anger, sadness and shame, after they saw the Ku Klux Klan document inside the house in Holton Township, about 20 miles northeast of Muskegon. 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. Robertson says Anderson is the officer who made the arrest. Charles Anderson was fired from the Muskegon Police Department on Sept. 13. 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. Full credit: Kayla Renie/Muskegon Chronicle/AP. Lewis was not sure if an officer keeping such items in his home would violate department policies. Peterson said the entire inquiry report would likely be released sometime next week. (12 minutes) 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. Rob Mathis posted a picture of the framed KKK application on Facebook, at the time knowing the home belonged to a Muskegon Police officer. They said friends of their 12-year-old daughter told her their parents wouldnt let them talk to her. Email [email protected], visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Peterson refused to provide further details about what was discussed during the disciplinary hearing, but said that a redacted version of the inquiry into . 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.. Ext. They both exited the vehicle and refused the officer's orders. IE 11 is not supported. On December 31, 2020 Anderson will have accrued a total of 25 years and two months of service credit. 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. 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. Officer. 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. Hilson told the outlet in Aug. I guess I cant answer that question. Officer Charles Anderson of the Muskegon Police Department in Michigan was terminated on Thursday. 1117 However, he did interview Andersons wife, Rachel, about their interest in collecting historic and vintage items. 8617, Amy Gerard His charges included resisting an officer and fleeing. Though Mathis did not identify Anderson by name in his post, commenters did. The department assures the public that they are investigating the allegations. He was subsequently cleared of any wrongdoing when the shooting was deemed to be an act of self-defense. 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. Last August Rob Mathis, who is black, toured Anderson's home in Holton with his wife Reyna and a Realtor. 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. The Muskegon Police Department Policy and Procedure Order does not specifically ban private displays of racist materials, MLive reports. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. Anderson told MLive.com he was advised not to comment amid the investigation. She was found to be intoxicated and wasarrested by Anderson for two Fail to Appear bench warrants. Michigan police officer fired after a framed Ku Klux Klan application, was fired from the Muskegon Police Department. He posted a picture on Facebook of a framed KKK application he found. Acomplaint in 2010 alleged that he acted "rudely and disrespectfully" when he arrestedtwo people and usedpepper spray. 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. The paper reported that Anderson was cleared of fatally shooting a black man, Julius Johnson, 23, following a traffic stop in 2009. 2023 City of Muskegon. 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. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. She was sentenced to 60 days and $414 in fines. I feel sick to my stomach knowing that I walk to the home of one of the most racist people in Muskegon hiding behind his uniform and possibly harassing people of color and different nationalities, Mathis says in the post. 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. 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. The city and Anderson agree neither party will publicly disparage the other party, including, "comments or statements to the press. Following Mathis' allegations, Anderson, who has been on the force more than 20 years, was put on leave indefinitely, City Manager Frank Peterson said Thursday. Anderson is on paid administrative leave after an apparent Ku Klux Klan document was seen framed on a wall of his home. She said she only realized after the report was released Monday that the officer she was accused of assaulting was Anderson. Muskegon police officer Charles Anderson has been placed on leave pending an investigation into the couple's claims, the police department said. I dont know. The City of Muskegon released a more than 400-page report on Monday that includes transcripts of interviews with. 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. Reyna Mathis, the realtor and Anderson's colleagues were also interviewed for the report. 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. 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. Officer Andersons wife, Rachael Anderson, told WOOD-TV, a local television station, that her husband was not a Klan member. RELATED: The. Mr. Mathis said he reached out to Officer Anderson and Chief Lewis but never heard from them. 2023 City of Muskegon. 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. 1117, Patrick Vandommelen Officer Charles Anderson of the Muskegon Police Department gives his testimony at the Muskegon County Hall of Justice, on March 20, 2019. 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