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West Linn Racially Biased Arrest:
Former PPB Cop Investigated, Detective Fired

In the May 2020 issue of the People's Police Report we wrote about the case of Michael Fesser, a Black man who settled a racial bias claim against the City of West Linn for $600,000. Former Police Chief Terry Timeus had investigated Fesser based on false allegations as a favor to a friend who owns a tow yard where Fesser worked and had filed complaints of racial bias. The case was primarily handled by West Linn Detective Tony Reeves, supported by then-Chief of West Linn Police and former Portland Police Officer Terry Kruger. Kruger was placed on administrative leave in April while he is being investigated. Current West Linn Chief Peter Mahuna fired Reeves in June. The Clackamas County District Attorney found Reeves had engaged in misconduct, one reason he was fired. The DA has also recommended that Reeves and Timeus have their police certifications revoked (OPB, June 17).

Kruger, who defended Fesser's arrest, maintains that his involvement was mischaracterized and his friendship with Benson was only casual (Portland Tribune, July 25). On July 8, Fesser met with the West Linn City Council and the community to discuss his case, racism and reform action. Further discussions of these issues are expected to be ongoing.

September, 2020
Also in PPR #81

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