Detroit Police Department has referred investigations involving activist Jahdante Smith and Marvin Walker, the former boyfriend of Detroit mayor Mary Sheffield, to outside law enforcement agencies.
A police spokesperson confirmed that all cases concerning Walker had been transferred and that any future complaints involving him would also be passed to another agency. The department has not disclosed which organisation has taken over the investigations.
The move also includes a separate case involving Smith, who has publicly shared photographs of Sheffield and Walker from the period when they were romantically involved while Sheffield was serving on Detroit City Council.
Smith’s mobile phone was seized by Detroit officers in August after police obtained a search warrant linked to an allegation that he had threatened a woman. Smith denied the allegation and questioned whether the action was connected to the photographs.
Detroit police chief Todd Bettison has denied influencing the investigation for any improper purpose. He said the inquiry began before a telephone conversation in which he asked Smith to remove the images from social media, describing the request as personal.
The chief said the warrant followed a citizen’s complaint and was approved by a judge. No charges had been authorised against Smith in connection with the alleged threat at the time of the reports.
The Detroit Free Press reported that a source close to the matter believed the FBI was investigating, although the bureau declined to confirm or deny specific investigative activity.
Walker has made allegations concerning Sheffield’s conduct while she was on the city council, which she has rejected. The mayor has denied receiving city funds or awarding Walker a city contract, and has said she never used her office to initiate action against him.
