Police officer resigns over videos targeting minorities

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COLUMBUS, Ohio (AP) — A city patrol officer who posted a series of homemade videos disparaging blacks, Jews, Cubans and illegal immigrants on YouTube.com resigned Friday, the mayor's office said.

Officer Susan Purtee, 60, turned in a letter to the police department's personnel office announcing her intention to resign effective Sept. 22, said Sgt. Rich Weiner.

Purtee was reassigned to a desk job after the videos, reportedly posted by Purtee and her sister on YouTube.com, drew attention and criticism from city officials.

In the videos, the sisters refer to blacks, Jews, Cubans and illegal immigrants as "filthy," and accuse Jews of abusing their positions within the nation's media and entertainment industries, including at Disney, Viacom and The Associated Press.

"Clearly, with her conduct, she does not deserve to wear the badge or belong in the Division of Police," Mayor Michael Coleman said in a statement. "We will not tolerate racist conduct by any employee, and will continue to work with residents and our police to build bridges of trust and cooperation."

Purtee's sister, Barbara Gordon-Bell, 52, of Parkland, Fla., has said the pair made the videos for fun and to reveal the truth about America.

Purtee, a 15-year patrol officer, could not be reached for comment Friday; the phone number for a listing in her name in the suburb of Grove City was disconnected.

A police department investigation into Purtee's actions will continue despite her resignation, Weiner said. A message seeking comment was left with the Fraternal Order of Police, which said it would represent Purtee during the investigation.
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