Former Detroit Police Chief Warren Evans has produced text messages between his successor and a police lieutenant, saying the two engaged in a sexual affair.

ADVERTISEMENT

Evans' lawyer, Mark Zausmer, said the lieutenant, Monique Patterson, had an affair with Ralph Godbee, now the interim chief, before she became Evans' girlfriend, the Detroit Free Press reports. Evans shared the text messages with city officials after Mayor Dave Bing fired him.

Zausmer said Evans only learned about the Patterson-Godbee relationship after he left the department.

Evans lost his job for a number of reasons, including negotiating for a reality TV show that would have featured the Detroit department.

Godbee, who is married, told the Free Press his affair was a "personal, private matter." He described himself as "energized" in his work with the police department.

Zausmer suggested Evans deserves another chance as chief. But Bing appears to have decided to leave Godbee in charge temporarily while the city conducts a national search for a successor.