TODAY'S TMJ4

McBride Issues Statement on Affair

The following is a statement issued by reporter Jessica McBride in response to news that she had an extra-marital affair with Milwaukee Police Chief Edward Flynn. McBride also included in the statement an email, which she claims is from Chief Flynn.

Statement of Jessica McBride:

It is because the relationship with Police Chief Flynn has unfortunately become public that this statement is released. This was a deeply personal matter between two adults who have addressed the relationship with those who need to know the details. I am grateful to my family, friends and the many other people who have expressed kindness and support. It is truly humbling.

The romantic relationship did not occur until long after the reporting and editing of the magazine article on Chief Flynn. I completed and turned in the Milwaukee Magazine story on Chief Flynn on Jan. 5, 2009 and a final edit was turned in Feb. 16. The story was in mailboxes in mid-April. At that point, my professional relationship with him had ended.

The romantic relationship with Chief Flynn began in May at Brocach’s Irish pub – four months after I completed and turned in the Milwaukee Magazine article.

Contrary to a media report, I never interviewed Chief Flynn at Brocach’s. Prior to my May social meeting with him at Brocach’s, I only met with and interviewed Chief Flynn once in December 2008 at the police department with other officers and the public information spokeswoman for MPD present. At the time of the Brocach’s meeting in May, I was an academic who no longer covered Flynn and would not ever do so again.

I ask that the media now respect the privacy of all of the parties involved.

----- Forwarded Message ----
From: "Flynn, Edward"
To: jessica bucher
Sent: Thursday, April 23, 2009 1:57:32 PM
Subject: Article
Dear Jessica:

As I navigate in a sea of controversy, I wanted to take a moment and tell you the consensus among my family, friends, and the mayor is that "The Cop Who Can't Stop" is well written, thoughtful, balanced, empathetic to its subject, broad in perspective, humorous where appropriate and a good read.

From my perspective, I'm grateful that you put so much effort into really trying to understand your subject and to place it (me) in context which is both private and public, personal and professional. I thank you also the generosity of spirit that informed your writing.

Now that that's done, let's schedule that coffee! If you're really nice, you might even get a guest speaker out of the deal!
best regards,

EDWARD A. FLYNN
Chief of Police
Milwaukee Police Department
749 West State Street
Milwaukee, WI 53233