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Detroit police commissioner resigns after being caught in vehicle with sex worker

Detroit police commissioner resigns after being caught in vehicle with sex worker
Detroit police commissioner resigns after being caught in vehicle with sex worker 01:39

(CBS DETROIT) -Bryan Ferguson, of the Detroit Board of Police Commissioners, has resigned after being cited for "indecent and obscene conduct" for being found with a sex worker in his vehicle, officials said. 

Here is a statement Ferguson released Thursday announcing the resignation: 

"It has been an honor and a privilege to serve the residents of Detroit in police oversight. After further consideration of the best interests of my family and the board, I am choosing to resign. Again, I admonish the board and the public to remain focused on the important work of oversight, transparency and accountability."

During a Thursday meeting, the Board of Commissioners addressed Ferguson's resignation, unanimously voting to accept it.  

Ferguson served the board for more than two years, at one point serving as the commission's vice chair. 

"We as the board are well aware of the reports that has been made regarding Mr. Ferguson, and we have accepted Mr. Ferguson's resignation," Commission Chair Quantez Pressley said during the meeting.  

According to the Wayne County Sheriff's Office, at about 7:15 a.m. on Wednesday, July 12, Ferguson was found engaging in a sex act in his vehicle near Shaefer Highway and Schoolcraft Road in Detroit. 

Authorities towed his vehicle after he was cited. 

Here's a statement the Detroit Police Department released Wednesday on the situation:

"We were made aware that a member of the Board of Police Commissioners (BOPC) was cited by the Wayne County Sheriff's Office (WCSO) for an alleged illegal activity, which occurred this morning. We have not seen the police report and do not have details on the incident. Therefore, it would not be appropriate to comment. We will consult with the City of Detroit Law Department, regarding this matter."  

Other commissioners tell CBS News Detroit that one less member will not affect the commission's duties.

"It's still six that's required for a quorum, so we still have to make our six. Once we get our six, then we can handle the people's business," Commissioner Ricardo Moore said.

Moore says Detroit Mayor Mike Duggan will appoint someone to fill the role.

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