By Gina Damron, Detroit Free Press –
DETROIT — Detroit Police Chief Ralph Godbee Jr. was suspended Tuesday, after a female Detroit police officer said she had an affair with him.
The attorney for the officer told the Detroit Free Press she has been in a relationship with Godbee for “many months.” Godbee could not be reached for comment today, and the department’s spokeswoman said she did not yet have any information on the situation.
“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,” Detroit Mayor Dave Bing said in a statement. “In the interim, Assistant Chief Chester Logan will assume the duties and responsibilities of police chief.”
David Robinson, who represents the officer, said she tried to sever her relationship with Godbee, who is married. The officer works in internal affairs, he said.
“She was trying to cut it off and he didn’t like that,” Robinson said. “And apparently she was, she was very depressed, apparently. And the concern was whether or not she was going to take her own life, and Godbee got wind of that and, I guess, tried to intervene.”
He confirmed his client is Angelica Robinson, whose LinkedIn account indicates she works in internal affairs and has been a Detroit police officer since 1995.
Robinson said the officer’s gun was taken away, and she is going to be evaluated by a doctor.
Godbee took over as chief two years ago after former Chief Warren Evans was forced to resign. At the time, Bing said Evans’ relationship with a subordinate, Lt. Monique Patterson, compromised his ability to lead.
But Patterson later released text messages sent to her from Godbee, showing they had also been involved romantically.
