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Kentwood commissioner resigns amid allegations of threatening constituent

Posted at 10:51 PM, Feb 21, 2017
and last updated 2017-02-21 23:10:04-05

KENTWOOD, Mich. — The city of Kentwood is looking for a new commissioner after one of theirs resigned from his position after being accused of threatening one of his constituents over the phone.

Steven Redmond resigned from his post this week amidst allegations that he threatened a Kentwood resident after she called him to express her concerns about a development project.

This all started back in October after a meeting where there was discussion of a project on Wing Avenue development that could affect the area between 52nd and 60th Streets. A Kentwood resident - a woman who did not want to be named - says she was calling all commissioners about it to share her opinions. When she got a hold of Redmond, she says he got angry at her and called her back the next day and made a verbal threat.

“The next day I get a call from a bar downtown. And I get a phone call that says, 'You bear false witness; you're evil; die,'” the woman said.

“I believe he should be punished," she added, "whatever that punishment should be. He did the crime; he should pay for what he did. He’s threatening people."

Following the alleged threat, the woman called the Kentwood Police Department. After a warrant was issued, Redmond turned himself into police on December 9. He was charged with malicious use of telecommunications and released on bond.

Redmond chose to step down from his position this month. The city of Kentwood made the formal announcement at their meeting Tuesday night.

“We received the letter of resignation from Steven Redmond on Monday the 13th,” said Kentwood Mayor Stephen Kepley. “At the time of receiving the letter, that was his resignation.”

Redmond was not at Tuesday night’s meeting for comment. He’s set for a non-jury trial on March 8. He’s pleaded not guilty.

"We`re hoping the best for Steve and his family," Mayor Kepley said. "We do wish him the best. He has served the city for a very long time."

The city of Kentwood is accepting applications to fill Redmond’s seat. If you’re interested, you can apply at the city clerk’s office or online.