Overview
- A recording obtained by reporters shows Detroit Police Chief Todd Bettison asking activist Jahdante Smith on Aug. 5 to take down photos and videos of Mayor Mary Sheffield from Smith’s Facebook page.
- A Wayne County assistant prosecutor and a judge approved a search warrant for Smith’s phone covering July content on Aug. 12, and four Detroit officers seized his phone the following week outside City Hall.
- Detroit police say the investigation began before the Aug. 5 call after a citizen complained that Smith threatened a woman and that the prosecutor’s office denied a separate, broader six‑month warrant sought the same day as the July warrant.
- Smith denies making threats, says officers seized his phone forcefully in front of his child, believes some data was erased, is consulting lawyers, and has not been charged as of these reports.
- The posts originated from Marvin Walker, a former partner of the mayor with a reported criminal history, Mayor Sheffield denies any misuse of her office, and the case is drawing scrutiny over Fourth Amendment and department policy issues to watch next.