The Brief Marvin Walker, a Detroit activist and former romantic partner of Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield, was the subject of a recent Detroit police investigation. Detroit Police have referred the investigation to an outside agency. Meanwhile, Chief Todd Bettison is under fire for his personal intervention.



The Detroit Police Department has referred its investigation into Detroit activist and former romantic partner of Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield, Marvin Walker, to an outside agency.

Here's what to know about the case:

Marvin Walker investigation

What we know:

The Detroit Police has referred its investigation into Marvin Walker, who is a Detroit businessman and activist with a criminal past. Walker is also a former romantic partner of Detroit Mayor Mary Sheffield. The two were romantically involved back when she served on city council.

What we don't know:

It's not clear what Detroit Police were investigating, or when their investigation involving Walker began. Charlie LeDuff with The Michigan Enjoyer reported Aug. 26 that Walker is alleging Sheffield used him during her time on city council to collect illegal kickbacks. It's an allegation the mayor has denied, and you can read her statement in full below.

What they're saying:

Detroit Police confirmed to FOX 2 that all investigative cases concerning Walker have been referred to outside law enforcement agencies, and that any future complaints would also be referred out. DPD declined to confirm the outside agency.

The Detroit Free Press is reporting a source close to the situation told them the FBI was investigating.

FOX 2 also reached out to the FBI, which would not confirm or deny specific investigative activity.

A DPD case involving another Detroit activist, Jahdante Smith, was also referred to an outside agency.

Jahdante Smith connection

Big picture view:

Last month, Smith was stopped by Detroit police , handcuffed, and told that officers had a search warrant to confiscate his phone.

Dig deeper:

Smith says he thinks it's because he was posting old photos on social media of Sheffield with Walker, back when they were rom

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