Anderson was fired from the department on Sept. 12, following a lengthy investigation into the accusation. Deasha.Hill@mcd911.net His wife, Rachael Anderson, told WOOD-TV her husband isn't a Klan member. racist memorabilia found in his home that was for sale, was placed on administrative leave last month. Anderson was placed on leave pending an investigation that began Aug. 8. The Mathises discuss the backlash they received, including receiving threats and having racial slurs hurled at them. In his Facebook post, Mathis said he also saw Confederate flags throughout the home. Ext. Application Was Found in His Home, https://www.nytimes.com/2019/09/13/us/officer-charles-anderson-ku-klux-klan.html. Though Muskegon has a majority white population, over 31% of residents are Black. Close alerts. Officer Charles Anderson of the Muskegon Police Department gives his testimony at the Muskegon County Hall of Justice, on March 20, 2019. 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. The shooting was determined to be an act of self-defense. 1117, Patrick Vandommelen ", Muskegon County Prosecutor D.J. Anderson said the reason for the KKK application is related to his passion for U.S. history from the late 1800s to the 1960s. Charles Anderson was terminated after a Thursday morning hearing. Charles Anderson was fired from the Muskegon Police Department on September 12 following an investigation after potential homebuyers said they saw a . If you purchase a product or register for an account through one of the links on our site, we may receive compensation. 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.". Anderson was pursuing 23-year-old Julius Johnson during a traffic stop on Sept. 23, 2009. "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." 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 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. 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. 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. Officer Charles Anderson testifies in Muskegon, Michigan, March 20, 2019. Hilson said the investigation's results will drive reconsideration of the 2009 case, according to MLive.com. 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. Acomplaint in 2010 alleged that he acted "rudely and disrespectfully" when he arrestedtwo people and usedpepper spray. The document was obtained by 13 On Your Side through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request this week. 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. The material on this site may not be reproduced, distributed, transmitted, cached or otherwise used, except with the prior written permission of Advance Local. "He can't say anything right now. According to the findings of an investigation from the county's prosecutor, Johnson beat Anderson in. That was the owner of the house, Officer Charles Anderson, who, at the time, was a 21-year veteran of the Muskegon Police Department. Ext. The Ku Klux Klan document Robert Mathis says was on display at Muskegon Police Officer Charles Anderson's house. 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. "This whole situation is very disheartening," Reyna Mathis said. 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. He mentioned seeing Confederate flags on the walls, dining room table and garage. On December 31, 2020 Anderson will have accrued a total of 25 years and two months of service credit. Sign up for email updates from the City of Muskegon, including information on major events, traffic and other important city projects. The. I need a completed internal investigation.". ARPA Community Grant Program Details + Application 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. Friday, Saturday, Sunday: Closed. He posted a picture on Facebook of a framed KKK application he found. Cookie Settings/Do Not Sell My Personal Information. Download the 13 ON YOUR SIDE app now. For an optimal experience visit our site on another browser. Last month, Anderson was outed when a couple, the Mathises, toured his home that was for sale. 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. Still, the couple said, they have no regrets in reporting what they witnessed. The way things are now, everybody is offended over something, and who knows what that might be? she said. 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. 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. 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. 13 On Your Side obtained a separation agreement between the City of Muskegon and Charles Anderson through a Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) request. Officer Charles Anderson of the Muskegon Police Department gives his testimony at the Muskegon County Hall of Justice, on March 20, 2019. They also had seen Andersons Muskegon Police uniform and realized a police officer owned the home, the couple 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, the Michigan police officer found to have KKK memorabilia in his home, has been fired following a disciplinary hearing within the Muskegon Police Department. Officer Charles Anderson of the Muskegon Police Department in Michigan was terminated on Thursday. 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. 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. Muskegon police officer Charles Anderson has been placed on leave pending an investigation into the couple's claims, the police department said. Calhoun questions if the Mathises would have had an easier time if Lewis had gone public with his own concerns at the time. Last month, Anderson was outed when a couple, the Mathises, toured his home that was for sale. 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. Mr. Mathis said he reached out to Officer Anderson and Chief Lewis but never heard from them. IE 11 is not supported. The city's investigation claims items with images of Confederate flags at Anderson's home were part of a "Dukes of Hazzard" collection. 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. 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 report confirmed that the officer had six encounters with Robert and Reyna Mathis, datingto July 2008. It is essential that all members, in the execution of their duties, act not for themselves but for the good of the public. Officer Charles Anderson of the. 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 comments on that post exploded, Calhoun said, leading to the citys decision to place Anderson on leave and conduct the investigation. 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