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Lapeer County sheriff apologizes for comments by employee toward Flint's police dept.

steve carmody
/
Michigan Radio

Lapeer County’s sheriff is apologizing for comments one of his employees made against the Flint police department.

A video surfaced online earlier this month showing a Lapeer County Sheriff’s employee implying that Flint police officers don’t care about murder, drug sales, or prostitution that occurs in the city.

The video drew a sharp rebuke from the Flint police department, which pointed to statistics showing crime declining in the city. 

Sheriff Scott McKenna rejects the statement by his employee, calling it “absurd” and “unprofessional.”

“I’m not going to make excuses for it, because it was a horrible, horrible statement to make.  Because it’s untrue,” says McKenna.

McKenna apologized directly to Flint Police Chief Tim Johnson, who considers the matter closed.

“I appreciate the sheriff. I appreciate him coming forth. He opened his door up when we called him and said we wanted to speak with him about it,” says Johnson. “We had a good conversation yesterday and as far as I’m concerned, it’s handled.”

Sheriff McKenna says the issue is now being handled internally.

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005. Steve previously worked at public radio and television stations in Florida, Oklahoma and Kentucky, and also has extensive experience in commercial broadcasting.
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