Top cop quits over alleged mishandling of Chris Brown’s Rihanna-related probation

LA prosecutors accuse singer of violating his probation, which Richmond police chief pledged to oversee.

CALIFORNIA, United States, Friday February 15, 2013 – The aftermath of the events of Grammy night 2009, when singer Chris Brown physically abused Barbadian superstar Rihanna, continues to haunt more people than the couple directly involved.

Richmond, Virginia’s Police Chief Bryan Norwood, a central figure in allegations that he and his department mishandled Brown's court-ordered community service related to the assault in Los Angeles, resigned this week.

The American R&B singer is currently on five years’ probation in connection with the attack. As part of the probation, he was required to do 180 days of community labour in Virginia.

Early in February, Los Angeles County prosecutors accused Brown of failing to complete the stipulated court-ordered community service he received as part-punishment for the 2009 assault conviction.

Additionally, the Los Angeles County prosecutors say Brown violated his probation in other ways, including failing to secure permits to allow him to travel while on probation.

Yet as far back as 2009, in a letter to the Los Angeles County court, the Richmond top cop had assured officials that his department would oversee Brown's probation.

Los Angeles County investigators nevertheless claim Richmond police rarely checked on Brown's progress, even though Norwood wrote to the court again in November 2011, vouching that the singer had completed more than 100 days of labour.

In the latest development, Richmond Mayor Dwight C Jones said in an online statement this week, "I have accepted the resignation of Bryan Norwood from his post as chief of police for the city of Richmond. 

"I know that in many ways, the Richmond Police Department and our city is better off because of his involvement, his dedication, and his concern and care for our communities," Jones said. "But we've reached a mutual agreement in that his time as Richmond's police chief has come to an end."

Brown is due to reappear in court in connection with the matter on April 5. Click here to receive free news bulletins via email from Caribbean360. (View sample)