Critics slam Sheriff Richard Schmidt for podcast comments on victims of domestic violence

Don Behm | Milwaukee Journal Sentinel

Milwaukee County Acting Sheriff Richard Schmidt came under fire Monday from critics claiming that he has advised victims of domestic violence to stay in the relationships and "submit" to abusive spouses.

The complaints came from supporters of Earnell Lucas, one of his opponents in the Aug. 14 Democratic primary election for sheriff.

In an Oct. 6, 2017, podcast with Brookside Baptist Church Pastor Greg Huffman, Schmidt can be heard paraphrasing the pastor's advice regarding a marriage in conflict where physical violence might have taken place.

"What you're saying is, get off God's throne, submit yourself to that person and love that person," Schmidt said. "So, in other words, if we're Christian and we submit ourselves to the Holy Spirit and we do what you said, get off the prideful ladder, God can bless that marriage and restore those relationships."

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Schmidt, a 32-year veteran of the Sheriff's Office and an evangelist and founder of Prophecy Focus Ministries, became acting sheriff in August 2017 following the resignation of former Sheriff David A. Clarke Jr. He is a regular guest on Huffman's "The Word for Life" podcasts.

"Milwaukee County needs a sheriff who will take tangible steps to stop domestic violence," said Sarah Pearson, co-chair of Women's March Wisconsin.

In the podcast, Schmidt "does not mention contacting law enforcement, seeking refuge at an emergency shelter or removing oneself from an abusive environment," Pearson said in a statement.

Pearson and representatives of Voces de la Frontera Action, an immigrants rights advocacy group, Wisconsin Working Families Party and state Rep. JoCasta Zamarripa (D-Milwaukee) held a news conference inside the Milwaukee County Courthouse to protest Schmidt's comments. Those groups were joined by members of Progressive Moms of Wisconsin and Genderqueer Milwaukee.

Schmidt said Monday that he would not advise women to stay in a home where they are the victims of violence. "There is no reason for them to stay at home at that point," he said in response to statements by critics.

"I would never counsel anyone to stay in a violent situation," Schmidt said.

After a domestic violence victim gets out of the residence safely, "then reconciliation can take place if both individuals are willing to work it out," he said.

When asked why he did not state those qualifications in the podcast discussion, Schmidt said that he did not recall his specific comments that day and that the discussion focused on his religious beliefs and how to restore a relationship.

Regarding his critics, Schmidt said: "They're trying to politicize my religious beliefs."

Voces de la Frontera Action Executive Director Christine Neumann-Ortiz said it is "cruel" to advise someone for religious reasons to accept violence in a relationship.

Zamarripa reminded county residents of Schmidt's personal opposition to gay marriage while other speakers commented on his opposition to abortion.

"Our community needs a sheriff whom we can trust to uphold the safety and well-being of all Milwaukee families regardless of race, class, gender, religion or where we come from," said Rebecca Lynch, political director of Wisconsin Working Families Party, in a statement.

Lynch called out Milwaukee County Executive Chris Abele for his endorsement and financial support for Schmidt in the sheriff's race. Schmidt's comments on domestic violence and his opposition to gay marriage and abortion are not in line with Abele's personal views, Lynch said in urging the county executive to withdraw his support of Schmidt.

"I'm aware of Sheriff Schmidt's ongoing ministry work," Abele said in a statement. He said the endorsement is based on Schmidt's work since Clarke's departure and "has nothing to do with his religious beliefs."

"His actions have reassured me that, under his leadership, all people who interact with our Sheriff's Office will be treated with dignity and respect, and that their lives and well-being are valued."

Zamarripa, Wisconsin Working Families Party and Voces de la Frontera Action have endorsed Lucas. There is no Republican on the November ballot, so the winner of the primary will be the next sheriff, barring a successful write-in campaign.

Lucas retired from the Milwaukee Police Department as a captain in 2002. Since that time, he has worked as a security official with Major League Baseball.

The third candidate in the race is Robert Ostrowski, a deputy sheriff for 16 years.

Schmidt earned undergraduate and graduate degrees in administration at Hyles-Anderson College, an independent Baptist college in Crown Point, Indiana. He earned a doctorate in ministry from the now-closed Northland International University in Dunbar.

Sermons recorded by Schmidt are available on the sermonaudio.com website. The Oct. 6, 2017, podcast with Huffman is available at the website by searching for Huffman's sermons under the brand, The Word for Life.

That podcast was the second in a series of three discussions between Huffman and Schmidt under the title of "Biblical principles for the family."

At the start of the first podcast in the series, Schmidt describes Huffman as "a mentor" to him and a "premier counselor."