Former Sheriff David Clarke told to revise master's thesis or lose degree

Former Milwaukee Sheriff David Clarke has been told to revise his master's thesis or the Naval Postgraduate School will begin the process of rescinding his degree.

Clarke was accused of plagiarism in May after CNN reported that he failed to properly attribute sources at least 47 times in his 2013 thesis. Clarke denied committing plagiarism.

A July letter published Friday by CNN shows the school found a violation and gave Clarke 100 days to make revisions. The letter from Cmdr. Paul Rasmussen, dean of students, says the violation was “not a result of any intentional deception.”

It's not clear if Clarke has made revisions.

The Associated Press sent a message seeking comment to Clarke's office Friday.

Firebrand

Clarke announced this month that he would join a political action committee supporting President Donald Trump. He had said in May that he was offered a job with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. But the job never materialized.

The firebrand sheriff has made a name for himself as one of the president’s most outspoken and faithful backers, frequently voicing support for Trump’s every move to his nearly 800,000 Twitter followers. The PAC he is joining, America First Action, works to elect Republican candidates who support the Trump administration.

“I will help make sure we elect the candidates who will do what they promise in support of President Trump’s agenda,” Clarke said in an email announcing his move. “Just as important, I will see to it that the will of the American people is not derailed by the left or the self-serving Washington establishment.”

Clarke announced his resignation as sheriff last week after serving in that capacity for 15 years.

“David Clarke is an American patriot, and we are very proud to welcome him to America First,” Brian O. Walsh, President of America First Action, said in a statement.

Clarke’s departure comes at a tumultuous time for the polarizing sheriff, who has clashed with many of Milwaukee’s government officials. Several members of his jail staff are under investigation by prosecutors and could face charges in the 2016 dehydration death of an inmate who was deprived of water for a week as punishment.

Clarke is also facing several lawsuits, including two by the family of the deceased inmate, Terrill Thomas. Two former inmates who were pregnant during their time at the sheriff’s jail have also filed lawsuits this year alleging they were shackled while giving birth.

In May, Clarke said he was offered a job as an assistant secretary with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, but the job never materialized and the agency never confirmed Clarke’s claim.

But Clarke said in a statement his new job will give him “the chance to do what I love most ...” That, he said, is promoting Trump’s agenda.

See also: Democrats react to Clarke resignation as Walker ponders replacement