Robbinsdale chief resigns after prostitution sting
ROBBINSDALE, Minn. (AP) — The Robbinsdale police chief has resigned, about a month after he was arrested in a prostitution sting in Coon Rapids.
The city of Robbinsdale says in a statement that it learned Saturday of Chief Steven Smith’s arrest.
Smith was among 10 people arrested Feb. 20 and cited for hiring and engaging in prostitution after police in Coon Rapids conducted a sting at a private residence.
Robbinsdale Mayor Regan Murphy tells WCCO-AM that Smith submitted his resignation to the city manager Saturday afternoon.
Murphy said Smith made “lots of important contributions to Robbinsdale,” but “at the end of the day you have to follow the law.”
Murphy tells KSTP-TV that Smith’s resignation was the best decision and the city is moving on.
Jim Franzen has been appointed acting chief for Robbinsdale.