The Detroit police chief resigned on Thursday after officers reportedly caught him having sex with an alleged prostitute in his car.

Brian Ferguson, who was representing the First District on the Detroit Police Commission, announced his resignation, saying he did so out of consideration for his family and the Commission’s best interests.

“It has been an honor and a privilege to serve Detroiters in police surveillance,” Ferguson said, according to the newspaper. detroit free press.

Detroit police chief Brian Ferguson resigns after sex worker scandal https://t.co/aaMGXExgTJ

— Detroit Free Press (@freep) July 13, 2023

Ferguson was reportedly found by DEA agents undercover in his car on the morning of July 12, having sex with a prostitute. Lt. Jason Bates told the media that when confronted with Mr. Ferguson, the commissioner reportedly asked his agents to “help him.” He tried to dismiss the incident as a “great misunderstanding” before revealing himself to be the police commissioner. (Related article: Former police detective allegedly ran prostitution ring in New York)

Undaunted by Ferguson’s pleas, Bates issued a misdemeanor indictment against Ferguson for indecent or obscene conduct involving sex with a prostitute, the paper reported.

Mr Ferguson denied the allegations on Wednesday night, claiming the incident was the result of a “misunderstanding”.

“I don’t want this personal matter to get in the way of the important oversight work the board has to do,” Ferguson said at the time. detroit news. It was reported that Mr. Ferguson had initially announced his intention to step down from his duties while keeping his position, but by Thursday morning the commissioner had announced his resignation.

“I again advise the Board and the public to continue to focus on the important work of oversight, transparency and accountability,” Ferguson said.