DETROIT – A Detroit police commissioner resigned Thursday after initially denying allegations that he was caught with a prostitute the day before.
Detroit Police Commissioner Bryan Ferguson, who represents District 1, was cited by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office on Wednesday, July 12, for lewd and indecent conduct. That morning, undercover deputies reported encountering Ferguson engaging in a sexual act with a known prostitute in his truck in the area of Schoolcraft Road and Sorrento Avenue.
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After identifying himself and his role, Ferguson reportedly asked the deputies if there was anything they could do to help him in the situation. Deputies instead cited Ferguson and had his vehicle towed.
In a statement released late Wednesday, Ferguson denied any wrongdoing. He did say that he didn’t plan to attend upcoming meetings for the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners, of which he was a member, but did not say he was resigning.
However, Ferguson issued a brief press release Thursday announcing his resignation altogether. He did not discuss the allegations in his announcement, but did say the decision was made in his family’s “best interest.”
“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the residents of Detroit in police oversight. After further consideration of the best interests of my family and the Board, I am choosing to resign as District 1 Police Commissioner effective immediately,” Ferguson’s statement reads.
“Again, I admonish the Board and the public to remain focused on the important work of oversight, transparency and accountability,” the release concludes.
The Detroit Police Department acknowledged Wednesday that they were made aware of the allegations, but didn’t have a comment at that time. Officials say the prostitute involved was also cited in the incident.