DETROIT – Undercover deputies who found a Detroit police commissioner with a prostitute Wednesday were reportedly asked if they could help him out, but they cited him instead.
UPDATE: Detroit police commissioner resigns after deputies allegedly catch him with prostitute
Officials say that at around 7 a.m. on Wednesday, July 12, deputies with the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office were working undercover in the area of Schoolcraft Road and Sorrento Avenue -- an area where they often police drugs and prostitution. That morning, deputies approached a man in a pickup truck who was said to be engaged in a sexual act with a prostitute.
The man identified himself as Detroit police Commissioner Bryan Ferguson, officials said. When approached, he reportedly asked the deputies if there was anything they could do to help him in that situation.
The sheriff’s deputies instead cited Ferguson for indecent and lewd conduct, and had his truck towed. The woman involved is a known prostitute, according to authorities, and was also cited for the incident.
The Detroit Police Department issued a statement Wednesday saying they are aware of the “alleged illegal activity,” but did not have a comment yet. Ferguson also issued a statement late Wednesday claiming the allegations against him are untrue.
Ferguson is a member of the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners, which is a civilian board that’s meant to serve as oversight for the police department. The police commissioner has not resigned from the board as of Wednesday night, but he did say that he won’t be attending meetings anytime soon.
The board has a meeting on Thursday, so it’ll be interesting to see how they handle the situation, and if they’ll accept Ferguson’s absence.
“We were made aware that a member of the Board of Police Commissioners was cited by the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office for an alleged illegal activity, which occurred this morning. We have not seen the police report and do not have details on the incident. Therefore, it would not be appropriate to comment. We will consult with the city of Detroit Law Department regarding this matter.”
Detroit Police Department