Detroit Police Chief Retires in Wake of Sex Scandal

By Karen Hudson Samuels/Tell Us Detroit

DETROIT (Tell Us Det) - After a 25 year career with the Detroit Police department, Ralph Godbee has stepped down as Chief. His resignation was announced by Mayor Dave Bing at a Monday morning news conference.

Bing said Godbee was “contrite” and “embarrassed” by the revelations of his affairs with two Detroit Police subordinates. The Mayor met over the weekend with Godbee who Bing said was not forced out office but agreed to resign voluntarily

Interim Chief, Chester Logan, was introduced by the Mayor who pledged to move the department and city forward.

The new city charter requires Bing to work with the Detroit Police Commission in selecting the next Chief of Police; the Mayor has engaged a national firm to assist in the search for potential candidates.

The revelation of Godbee’s affairs surprised many Detroiters who just two years ago went through a similar sex scandal scenario with then Police Chief Warren Evans.

Ironically, shortly after taking over from Evans, it was reported that Godbee had an affair earlier with Lt. Monique Patterson, the same woman whose relationship was a factor in bringing down Warren Evans.

Bing placed Godbee on a 30 day suspension last week when Officer Alicia Robison, with whom Godbee was having an affair, posted a message on social media saying Godbee was with another woman at police convention in San Diego.

Robinson also posted a disturbing photo of herself with a police revolver in her mouth, upset with Godbee’s other woman and depressed that he refused to their relationship.

Mayor Bing addressed the inappropriate sexual relationships between police officers saying his office will look into establishing a policy for all city employees.

In a statement to the Mayor, Godbee said in part, “...I thank Mayor Bing and his administration for allowing me to service as Chief for the last two years.” The letter offered no statements of regret but the Mayor did say Godbee apologized to him and for letting down the citizens of Detroit.