Though Mathis did not identify Anderson by name in his post, commenters did. 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. All rights reserved (About Us). He mentioned seeing Confederate flags on the walls, dining room table and garage. 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. The document was obtained by 13 On Your Side through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request this week. The separation agreement states Anderson will remain on unpaid status until December 30, 2020. Mathis said he had received death threats after uploading the images to Facebook. 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. Ext. 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. MUSKEGON, Mich. (WOOD) The Muskegon police officer who had Ku Klux Klan memorabilia in his home has lost his job. Anderson was cleared in late 2009 of any wrongdoing in the fatal shooting of Julius Allen-Ray Johnson. All Rights Reserved. He was subsequently cleared of any wrongdoing when the shooting was deemed to be an act of self-defense. The police department is doing its due diligence with the investigation, Chief Jeffrey Lewis told MLive.com. I need a completed internal investigation.. In his Facebook post, Mathis said he also saw Confederate flags throughout the home. Close alerts, IA 19-06 Official Report Charles Anderson Inquiry with redactions [28MB PDF]. 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. Deasha.Hill@mcd911.net 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 Charles Anderson of the. Chicago Mayor Lori Lightfoot loses reelection bid, Fiery train crash in Greece kills dozens, many of them students. Charles Anderson was terminated after a Thursday morning hearing. The county prosecutor at the time determined that Mr. Anderson had shot in self-defense and cleared him of any wrongdoing. I dont know. Mathis, who is Black, said he felt disgusted by what he saw. 8617, Amy Gerard The Muskegon Police Department Policy and Procedure Order does not specifically ban private displays of racist materials, MLive reports. Lawsuits claim it wrecked their teeth. ", Muskegon County Prosecutor D.J. Related Story: Michigan Police Officer Charles Anderson on Leave After KKK Items Found in his Home. 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 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. Johnson had scuffled with Anderson, who was beaten in the head. Friday, Saturday, Sunday: Closed. 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. If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 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.. 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. 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.". In the first case, Robert was pulled over by Anderson for speeding, while Reyna was in the passenger seat. 13 On Your Side obtained a separation agreement between the City of Muskegon and Charles Anderson through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. Follow Micah Walker on Twitter:@Micah_walker701. Anderson was cleared of any wrongdoing in that 2009 incident. Amy.Gerard3@mcd911.net Anderson was placed on leave pending an investigation that began Aug. 8. 2023 City of Muskegon. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed. YouTubes privacy policy is available here and YouTubes terms of service is available here. 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. Officer Charles Anderson. Officer. Officer Andersons wife, Rachael Anderson, told WOOD-TV, a local television station, that her husband was not a Klan member. RELATED: Report: Fired Muskegon officer says he's an antique collector. 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. Charles Anderson was fired from the Muskegon Police Department on Sept. 13. Reyna Mathis, the realtor and Anderson's colleagues were also interviewed for the report. Reyna went to jail for the incident. 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. 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. "I told my son, 'let's go, we're getting out of here. 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. Related: Cop fired for KKK, Confederate flag memorabilia signs separation agreement. "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.". 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. Officer Charles Anderson was terminated after a disciplinary hearing concluded Thursday afternoon, Muskegon City Manager Frank Peterson told NBC News. They shall respect and protect the rights of individuals and perform their services with honesty, zeal, courage, discretion, integrity, dedication and sound judgment. All Rights Reserved. https://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=10214761835347198&set=a.1058959801946&type=3. The Muskegon Police Department Policy and Procedure Order states that officers' decorum and behavior should not "undercut public trust" in the department. "This whole situation is very disheartening," Reyna Mathis said. Have a news tip? The former officer said the reason for having the items is his love for history anda classic TV show. Anderson is on paid administrative leave after an apparent Ku Klux Klan document was seen framed on a wall of his home. Muskegon Police Officer Charles Anderson served his department for 22 years. Ext. Subscribe to our YouTube channel. "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." The way things are now, everybody is offended over something, and who knows what that might be? she said. Anderson was pursuing 23-year-old Julius Johnson during a traffic stop on Sept. 23, 2009. 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. Last month, Anderson was outed when a couple, the Mathises, toured his home that was for sale. He said his wife was upset, and he told her, Were getting out of here. The realtor was very apologetic, he added. "I was just so disgusted," Mathis told MLive.com. 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. It is essential that all members, in the execution of their duties, act not for themselves but for the good of the public. 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. 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Officer Charles Anderson of the Muskegon Police Department gives his testimony at the Muskegon County Hall of Justice, on March 20, 2019. 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. Effective December 31, 2020, Anderson's employment with the city will end by way of his retirement. 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. IE 11 is not supported. When Calhoun pressed her on how that might be offensive and scary to some people, Rachel Anderson said that didnt change her opinion. Rob Mathis posted a picture of the framed KKK application on Facebook, at the time knowing the home belonged to a Muskegon Police officer. "Whether or not officer Anderson has racist tendencies or not, would that move the needle one way or another? 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. 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. Hilson said the investigation's results will drive reconsideration of the 2009 case, according to MLive.com. D.J. 1119 Police Clerk Deasha Hill Deasha.Hill@mcd911.net Ext. 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. She said she only realized after the report was released Monday that the officer she was accused of assaulting was Anderson. 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. Sign up for email updates from the City of Muskegon, including information on major events, traffic and other important city projects. The. 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. Last month, Anderson was outed when a couple, the Mathises, toured his home that was for sale. 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. 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. 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. Notifications can be turned off anytime in the browser settings. He was cleared of wrongdoing in the 2009 shooting of an unarmed black man, who, an investigation found, used Anderson's police radio and . Anderson was cleared of any wrongdoing in. 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 Ext. "I was like 'Oh my god! 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. 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. He also said that the police had warned him about a death threat. Friday, Saturday, Sunday: Closed. Mathis, 52, a U.S. Army veteran, has said he felt morally obligated to report what he had witnessed. He said if Robert and Reyna Mathis had contacted him, he would have explained why he had those items and apologized. Muskegon Police Officer Charles Anderson will retire with full benefits at the end of 2020, according to a separation agreement with the city. ARPA Details Community Rules apply to all content you upload or otherwise submit to this site. application hanging on the wall. Peterson refused to provide further details about what was discussed during the disciplinary hearing, but said that a redacted version of the inquiry into . racist memorabilia found in his home that was for sale, was placed on administrative leave last month. Last August Rob Mathis, who is black, toured Anderson's home in Holton with his wife Reyna and a Realtor. He describes himself as an amateur historian who likes to collect antique items from that time period. 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. "We would not take back what weve done no matter how weve been treated or portrayed," Reyna Mathis said. Muskegon City Manager Frank Peterson and the city attorney's officereleased a 421-page reporton the investigation of Charles Anderson, as well as his history as a policeofficer before he was fired. Whether or not officer Anderson has racist tendencies or not, would that move the needle one way or another? 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. 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. The first thing I noticed walking through the dining room was a Confederate flag placemat on the table, Mr. Mathis said. 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. Charles Anderson was placed on leave last month after a prospective home buyer said they saw a Ku Klux Klan application and Confederate flags in his house. 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. 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. According to the report, Robert Mathis toured Anderson's home with his family and a real estate agentAug. 7. 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. 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. The inquiry into Anderson unearthed new complaints made against him that Lewis said will be investigated, according to the report. Patrick.Vandommelen2@mcd911.net I was disgusted even being in that house.. Finally we hear the officer - and his wife - explain themselves. Janelle Griffith is a national reporter for NBC News focusing on issues of race and policing. 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. Muskegon police officer Charles Anderson has been placed on leave pending an investigation into the couple's claims, the police department said. (Kayla Renie/Muskegon Chronicle via AP) IE 11 is not supported. 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. Now, the. Nothing was revealed to us that shocked us, Chief Lewis said of the investigation. 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. Calhoun questions if the Mathises would have had an easier time if Lewis had gone public with his own concerns at the time. An unsettling discovery in the home of a local police officer rocks an entire city. Lewis was not sure if an officer keeping such items in his home would violate department policies. 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. I guess I can't answer that question," Hilson told the newspaper. ARPA Details The executive summary noted two citizen complaints against Anderson that the department was aware of. (12 minutes) Ext. Still, the couple said, they have no regrets in reporting what they witnessed. 2023 Advance Local Media LLC. The Associated Press contributed to this report. 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. Cop fired for KKK, Confederate flag memorabilia signs separation agreement. Mr. Mathis, 52, an Army veteran who is black, said that the picture he had posted on Facebook of the K.K.K. 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. This dental device was sold to fix patients' jaws. Email news@13onyourside.com, visit our Facebook page or Twitter. Records from the Michigan Department of Corrections show Robertson was arrested in Muskegon County in 2006 and served 12 years in prison. Address Police Department City Hall1st Floor 933 Terrace St Muskegon, MI 49440 Hours Monday - Thursday: 8:00am - 5:30pm Friday, Saturday, Sunday: Closed Phone (231) 724-6903 Fax (231) 724-2043 Send a message Document Search Stay Connected The city's investigation claims items with images of Confederate flags at Anderson's home were part of a "Dukes of Hazzard" collection. 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. 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. Reyna Mathis was sentenced to 60 days in jail for assaulting an officer, the report states, which she disputes. . Peterson said the entire inquiry report would likely be released sometime next week. 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. He said that he and his wife, brother and son had toured the officers house in early August with a realtor. Michigan police officer fired after a framed Ku Klux Klan application, was fired from the Muskegon Police Department. Officer Anderson On the Job. Reyna was jailedfor obstruction and assault on an officer. Technically, he signed a separation agreement and walked away with his pension and health insurance. The City of Muskegon released a more than 400-page report on Monday that includes transcripts of interviews with. The City of Muskegon has a population of about 37,000, according to census data. Rob Mathis, the prospective homebuyer, posted on Facebook. Mathis took photos of a framed KKK application and Confederate flags in Anderson's Holton Township house while touring it with his wife, Reyna Mathis, and a realtor in early August. When asked if hecontactedone of the owners, Mathis said he did not. The comments on that post exploded, Calhoun said, leading to the citys decision to place Anderson on leave and conduct the investigation. 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. I need a completed internal investigation.". Though Muskegon has a majority white population, over 31% of residents are Black. 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. 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. [Go here for more about police violence and unrest]. Anderson, who is white, was placed on administrative leave last month after a prospective home buyer said he saw a framed Ku Klux Klan application and multiple Confederate flags in his house. 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.. In 2009, Anderson fatally shot a 23-year-old unarmed Black man Julius Allen-Ray Johnson. If you are wondering how the racist material was found in his home, so did we. Wildfire threats loom:California utility cuts power to more than 20,000 customers. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); Monday Thursday: 8:00am 5:30pm