DETROIT (WWJ) – Detroit Police Chief Ralph Godbee has been suspended for 30 days after reports of a potential relationship involving the chief and another officer.
Detroit Mayor Dave Bing’s office released the following statement explaining the suspension:
“After learning of the allegations regarding Chief Ralph Godbee, I have placed him on a 30-day suspension pending a full and thorough investigation of this matter. In the interim, Assistant Chief Chester Logan will assume the duties and responsibilities of police chief.”
The allegations involve Godbee and 37-year-old Angelica Robinson, an internal affairs officer for the Detroit Police Department. Robinson’s attorney has stated that his client was trying to cut off the relationship and that Godbee “didn’t like that.”
Robinson’s attorney told the Associated Press that Godbee had other officers locate Robinson and put her under surveillance after she posted a photo on Twitter that showed her with her service weapon in her mouth. Robinson, who is married, allegedly took the photo after becoming irate when the chief went out-of-town with another woman.
Godbee, who is separated from his wife, became police chief two years ago following the resignation of Chief Warren Evans after a relationship with a subordinate, Lt. Monique Patterson, was revealed.
It was later learned that Godbee had also had a romantic relationship with Patterson before she dated Evans.
Assistant Chief Chester Logan will fill in for the suspended Godbee. Robinson has been reassigned from internal affairs to other duties.
WWJ has contacted Detroit police and they have no comment at this time.