OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – The Birmingham homeowner whose pool party went viral last month has pleaded not guilty to multiple misdemeanor charges stemming from the gathering.
Alex Simpson was arraigned Wednesday (July 22) on charges of disorderly conduct, breach of the peace, and public nuisance.
The charges are connected to a party held on June 13 at his home on Westchester Way that drew widespread attention on social media.
During Wednesday’s arraignment, Simpson entered a plea of not guilty and was given a $1,000 personal bond.
Following the hearing, Simpson said he is considering legal action against the city, arguing officials handled the situation in an “improper and discriminatory” manner.
In a statement to Local 4, Simpson apologized for the disruption caused by the party but said he believes the city’s response has been disproportionate.
Simpson also said his family was doxxed online following the incident and alleged the city failed to take action to address it.
The case remains pending in court.
As I have stated before, I acknowledge that the departure of guests at the end of the pool party created traffic congestion and disruption in the neighborhood that I am genuinely sorry for.
In the days following the event, I visited each of my neighbors to personally apologize and assure them that nothing like that would happen again.
At the same time, I believe the response to the event from the City has been disproportionate.
Despite trained law officers informing those at the party that the noise level was appropriate and using their professional experience to determine the party did not need to be shut down, the city issued criminal charges against me days later.
If found guilty, my legal career and military career could be impacted significantly.
I am also concerned about what appears to be an attempt by the City to compound issues. It wasn’t until after this incident that the City determined that permits for work done at home years ago were not completed - posting several notices on my front door and gate, despite previously communicating with me via phone and email.
I also received a letter from the City asking me to resign from my position as an alternate hearing officer for the city.
Incredibly, all of this response without a single person from the City communicating with me or even attempting to get information from me.
Perhaps had they done that, they wouldn’t have incorrectly labeled the party at my home as being a rental from an online application.
The most disturbing response from the City was the response to my complaint regarding the doxxing of my family. My daughter’s full name and the school my son attends were shared online - causing them great frustration and anxiety. The City somehow determined that this information could also be found through the use of various websites, so no harm had been done. It leaves one to wonder if all residents are protected and served, or just those that garner media attention.
Alex Simpson
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