Ferguson city manager resigns in wake of DOJ report

FERGUSON, Mo. — Ferguson City Manager John Shaw's resignation was accepted Tuesday night by the city council, effective immediately.

The city council voted 7-0 on a mutual separation agreement, with all members present. Shaw's duties will be divided between various city departments, according to a release from the city.

"I've known John for several years and I wish him luck with future endeavors as we continue to work through the necessary steps to become a community of choice for all residents," said council member Dwayne T. James, in the release.

Shaw said he felt his resignation "is in the community's best interest."

The city will conduct a nationwide search for Shaw's replacement. His resignation comes in the wake of a blistering report from the Department of Justice detailing deficiencies in the Ferguson Police Department. The investigation stemmed from the shooting of unarmed teen Michael Brown on Aug. 9 by white Ferguson police officer Darren Wilson.

Wilson was not charged in the shooting, which triggered weeks of unrest in this St. Louis suburb.

On Monday, a municipal judge criticized in the DOJ investigation resigned. Judge Ronald Brockmeyer presided in Ferguson for more than a decade and is mentioned in the Justice Department's report about the city that criticized the court's use of sometimes excessive and unnecessary fees.