Exeter resident asks for resignation of police chief
October 20, 2021
Sheila Harris
Former Exeter city council member, Charles Patterson, was present with a request to address council at its 3:30 p.m. meeting on October 13.
“I would like to ask for the resignation of the chief of police,” he advised council.
His request was followed by a short list of reasons for it, including an allegation that Chief Willie Stephens had not followed through with the investigation of an alleged theft committed by a juvenile, in which Patterson claimed to be the victim.
Patterson warned council that if no action was taken regarding Stephens, he would take the matter to the highway patrol. Council advised Patterson they would look into the matter.
During a follow-up phone call on Tuesday, Exeter city clerk Marissa Robbins told The Barry County Advertiser that Chief Stephens - who has been in office since October of 2018 - had been advised of the complaint against him.
“We are arranging some extra training for him,” Robbins said. “Mr. Patterson’s concerns are being addressed and we are handling the matter in-house.”
Chief Stephens was unavailable for comment.
Sheila Harris
Former Exeter city council member, Charles Patterson, was present with a request to address council at its 3:30 p.m. meeting on October 13.
“I would like to ask for the resignation of the chief of police,” he advised council.
His request was followed by a short list of reasons for it, including an allegation that Chief Willie Stephens had not followed through with the investigation of an alleged theft committed by a juvenile, in which Patterson claimed to be the victim.
Patterson warned council that if no action was taken regarding Stephens, he would take the matter to the highway patrol. Council advised Patterson they would look into the matter.
During a follow-up phone call on Tuesday, Exeter city clerk Marissa Robbins told The Barry County Advertiser that Chief Stephens - who has been in office since October of 2018 - had been advised of the complaint against him.
“We are arranging some extra training for him,” Robbins said. “Mr. Patterson’s concerns are being addressed and we are handling the matter in-house.”
Chief Stephens was unavailable for comment.
