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No Sign Of Godbee At Sunday Services

DETROIT (WWJ) - No sign of Detroit's embattled police chief at his family church Sunday, where there had been talk that he might address the small congregation.

Chief Ralph Godbee has been suspended for 30 days for allegedly having an affair with a subordinate officer in internal affairs.

The news media was not allowed inside the Inner Court Christian Center.

Godbee church (BFisher)
Inner Court Christian Center - Detroit. (Beth Fisher)

A minister walking into the church told WWJ's Beth Fisher that he was praying for the police chief and everyone.

Gevona Watson is a relative of Chief Godbee and said she doesn't like the media outside of the church.

"This is a place of worship, I think it is absolutely ridiculous, (if) you want to come inside and worship - join us. But to stand here like the paparazzi is absolutely ridiculous," she said.

Aaron Safford lives in the neighborhood near the church and says Godbee just started a block club in the area. He has mixed feelings about the sex scandal.

"I think it's embarrassing, you know, personally that's their business, but when you are on city time and you are supposed to be doing a job for the people - I think it's a little ridiculous," said Safford. "But you know, only him and God got to make those judgments, I can't judge him like that."

Safford says that Godbee should resign. Mayor Dave Bing says he will talk about the situation on Monday.

Godbee, who is separated from his wife, became police chief two years ago following the resignation of Chief Warren Evans after a relationship with a subordinate, Lt. Monique Patterson, was revealed.

It was later learned that Godbee had also had a romantic relationship with Patterson before she dated Evans.

Assistant Chief Chester Logan will fill in for the suspended Godbee. Robinson has been reassigned from internal affairs to other duties.

Read related story, here.

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