Controversial Milwaukee County Sheriff David Clarke has announced that he would accept a senior position in the Homeland Security Department. Clarke has been an ardent supporter of President Trump.
Clarke appeared on Vicki McKenna’s Milwaukee radio show and said he would be heading up the office that handles outreach efforts for local, tribal, state, territorial governments and local law enforcement agencies. It’s important to note that this role does not require Senate confirmation.
There has been no confirmation of this appointment by White House officials. The Department of Homeland Security released the following statement, “The position mentioned is a secretarial appointment. Such senior positions are announced by the department when made official by the secretary. No such announcement with regard to the office of public engagement has been made.”
Phillip McNamara, who currently occupies this role, voiced his disdain for Clarke’s apparent appointment.
Sheriff Clarke has been under intense scrutiny due to four deaths, including a newborn, that occurred inside of the jail he oversees. The most recent case was the death of 38 year old Terrill Thomas last April, who died of dehydration after guards turned off the water in his cell for a week.
A jury recently recommended felony charges for seven employees of the jail in that case.