Ferguson Update

Investigators found [Judge Ronald J} Brockmeyer had boasted of creating a range of new court fees, “many of which are widely considered abusive and may be unlawful”. A city councilman opposing the judge’s reappointment was warned “switching judges would/could lead to loss of revenue”.

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[Judge Brockmeyer is also] accused of fixing traffic tickets for himself and colleagues [and] also owes more than $170,000 in unpaid [federal] taxes.

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Since November 2013, Brockmeyer has paid off another three overdue tax bills totalling $64,599.

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[A] class-action federal lawsuit [...] alleges Ferguson repeatedly “imprisoned a human being solely because the person could not afford to make a monetary payment”.

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Brockmeyer did not respond to multiple emails and telephone calls requesting comment.

  Guardian

The second-highest ranking commander in the beleaguered police department of Ferguson, Missouri, was one of two veteran officers to resign on Friday over racist emails uncovered by federal investigators.

Captain Rick Henke stepped down from his job together with Sergeant William Mudd, a fellow long-serving officer who was awarded the Medal of Valor more than 20 years ago, a spokesperson for the city confirmed on Friday.

Their departures came as Eric Holder, the US attorney general, said he was prepared to demand the dismantling of Ferguson’s entire police department if required for reforms ordered by his department this week in a scathing report on the city’s criminal justice system.

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A second Justice Department inquiry that concluded simultaneously this week decided to bring no federal civil-rights charges against Darren Wilson, the officer who shot Brown.

  Guardian