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. Because he was a police officer, it was my moral obligation to say something about it.. MUSKEGON, Mich. (WOOD) The Muskegon police officer who had Ku Klux Klan memorabilia in his home has lost his job. "Whether or not officer Anderson has racist tendencies or not, would that move the needle one way or another? When asked if hecontactedone of the owners, Mathis said he did not. Prosecutors:US Army soldier planned to kill 'antifa' activists, bomb a major news network. The inquiry into Anderson unearthed new complaints made against him that Lewis said will be investigated, according to the report. 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. She was sentenced to 60 days and $414 in fines. Janelle Griffith is a national reporter for NBC News focusing on issues of race and policing. The Ku Klux Klan document Robert Mathis says was on display at Muskegon Police Officer Charles Anderson's house. 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. In an interview with the city, Anderson confirmed that he had a Confederate flag hanging in his garage, a flag-decorated hot pad on his dining room table and a framed, blank copy of a KKK application from the 1920s. The authorities said that Mr. Johnson had repeatedly hit the officer in the head with a blunt object. MUSKEGON COUNTY, MI The case of a Muskegon police officer fired after Confederate flags and KKK memorabilia were found in his home was the subject of a two-part series by the This American Life radio program that examines the difficulty of rooting racism out of police forces. Peterson refused to provide further details about what was discussed during the disciplinary hearing, but said that a redacted version of the inquiry into . For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. 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. Anderson told MLive.com he was advised not to comment amid the investigation. 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. 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. In 2009, Anderson fatally shot a 23-year-old unarmed Black man Julius Allen-Ray Johnson. According to the report, Robert Mathis toured Anderson's home with his family and a real estate agentAug. 7. 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 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.. Mathis was disturbed not only by the flag but also because Anderson was a police officer. Kayla Renie / Muskegon Chronicle via AP file. Amy.Gerard3@mcd911.net 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. Anderson is on paid administrative leave after an apparent Ku Klux Klan document was seen framed on a wall of his home. However, he did interview Andersons wife, Rachel, about their interest in collecting historic and vintage items. Peterson said the entire inquiry report would likely be released sometime next week. 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 was fired from the Muskegon Police Department on Sept. 13. 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. Charles Anderson was fired from the Muskegon Police Department on Sept. 13. He cant say anything right now, Ms. Anderson said. Muskegon Police Officer Charles Anderson served his department for 22 years. 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.. Officer Charles Anderson testifies in Muskegon, Michigan, March 20, 2019. Sign up for email updates from the City of Muskegon, including information on major events, traffic and other important city projects. 13 On Your Side obtained a separation agreement between the City of Muskegon and Charles Anderson through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. The department assures the public that they are investigating the allegations. Neither Anderson nor the officers union, the Police Officers Labor Council, could immediately be reached for comment. Cop fired for KKK, Confederate flag memorabilia signs separation agreement. 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. 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. 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. 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. The separation agreement states Anderson will remain on unpaid status until December 30, 2020. RELATED: The. 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. Wildfire threats loom:California utility cuts power to more than 20,000 customers. Muskegon Police Officer Charles Anderson will retire with full benefits at the end of 2020, according to a separation agreement with the city. Though Muskegon has a majority white population, over 31% of residents are Black. A report by then-Muskegon County Prosecutor Tony Tague found that Julius Johnson hit Anderson in the head with a police radio and "another blunt object" and noted that Anderson was forced to get a . It is essential that all members, in the execution of their duties, act not for themselves but for the good of the public. 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. He posted a picture on Facebook of a framed KKK application he found. . "We would not take back what weve done no matter how weve been treated or portrayed," Reyna Mathis said. 1894 shipwreck found in Lake Huron, confirming "powerful, tragic story", Garland to face Congress amid ongoing special counsel investigations, Eli Lilly to cut insulin prices by 70%, cap monthly costs at $35, FBI chief says agency feels pandemic likely started with Chinese lab leak, Three officers shot, standoff follows in Kansas City, Mo., police say, Vanessa Bryant, family settle claims over Kobe crash site photos for $28.5M. One from 2010 alleges Anderson "acted rudely and disrespectfully" during an incident which led to the use of pepper spray and two people being arrested, the report states. The City of Muskegon has a population of about 37,000, according to census data. The first thing I noticed walking through the dining room was a Confederate flag placemat on the table, Mr. Mathis said. 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. 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. August 12, 2019 / 10:44 AM The report states they refused to comply with Andersons commands and Reyna Mathis "struck him in the face and eye with her hand." As the family walked around, he said, his wife noticed a police officers coat, and he saw two more Confederate flags in the garage. The former police officer did not remove the item from the wall because he forgot it was in his antique collection room. Mathis posted pictures of what he saw on Facebook and discovered the home belonged to Muskegon police officer Charles "Chuck" Anderson. 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. Ext. When Calhoun pressed her on how that might be offensive and scary to some people, Rachel Anderson said that didnt change her opinion. In October2008, Reyna Mathis was involved in a bar fight and accused of assaulting another person. IE 11 is not supported. Kayla Renie/Muskegon Chronicle, via Associated Press. He bought the application about six years ago in Indiana. Still, the couple said, they have no regrets in reporting what they witnessed. During Anderson's 22-year career as a police officer, he had two complaints made against him. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Robert was issued a citation and released from the scene. 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. She said she only realized after the report was released Monday that the officer she was accused of assaulting was Anderson. 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.". Tim.Thielbar@mcd911.net 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. Mr. Mathis, 52, an Army veteran who is black, said that the picture he had posted on Facebook of the K.K.K. That was the owner of the house, Officer Charles Anderson, who, at the time, was a 21-year veteran of the Muskegon Police Department. In the first case, Robert was pulled over by Anderson for speeding, while Reyna was in the passenger seat. 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. I guess I can't answer that question," Hilson told the newspaper. Anderson was fired from the department on Sept. 12, following a lengthy investigation into the accusation. 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. Reyna was jailedfor obstruction and assault on an officer. Johnson had scuffled with Anderson, who was beaten in the head. 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.. Mr. Mathis said he reached out to Officer Anderson and Chief Lewis but never heard from them. 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. . Anderson served on the Muskegon police force since 1997. 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. They said friends of their 12-year-old daughter told her their parents wouldnt let them talk to her. 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. ARPA Details Officer Charles Anderson of the. 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. Technically, he signed a separation agreement and walked away with his pension and health insurance. 2023 USA TODAY, a division of Gannett Satellite Information Network, LLC. RELATED: Report: Fired Muskegon officer says he's an antique collector. 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