Last month, a series of racist text messages sent from Baton Rouge, Louisiana police officer Michael Elsbury surfaced and he was forced to resign
almost immediately. The messages were appalling:
The texts were given to police “by a girl, a friend” of Elsbury’s, Police Chief Carl Dabadie said Thursday night.
Part of the string of texts read: “I wish someone would pull a Ferguson on them and take them out. I hate looking at those African monkeys at work … I enjoy arresting those thugs with their saggy pants.”
Baton Rouge police investigating allegations of racist texts
Another part of one of the texts reads: “They are nothing but a bunch of monkeys.”
Now comes word that he was quietly allowed to alter his resignation paperwork to reflect that he'd
simply retired:
The change raised eyebrows, particularly with the councilwomen who represent large minority constituencies. They said the soft exit paves the way for Elsbury to potentially find another job in law enforcement.
“I don’t want him at any police department in the United States of America,” Councilwoman Tara Wicker said. “He just needs to find another line of work.”
When pressed on the change, Chief Carl Dabadie Jr. responded:
Dabadie told the council that accepting Elsbury’s resignation was the most expedient way to remove him from the force and get him off the payroll. Firing Elsbury would have opened the door for a lengthy appeals process via the Municipal Fire and Police Civil Service Board, which could have reinstated him. Elsbury could also have appealed by suing in state district court.
See Chief Carl Debadie Jr.'s contentious appearance before the Baton Rouge metro council below the fold.