No charges to be filed against Mason City teens who posted racist video on social media

MASON CITY — Authorities say no charges will be filed in connection with a racist video posted online late last month. The video of two white teens making the racist comments included a family member of the Mason City Police Department.

Police Chief Jeff Brinkley stated that the department did not support the action in any way as they’ve worked diligently to build relationships in the community and to improve the diversity of the organization. Brinkley asked the Clear Lake Police Department to further investigate the matter to avoid any conflict of interest.

Clear Lake Police Chief Pete Roth in a written statement said while the comments were inappropriate, it was determined that no crime occurred and the speech was protected under the First Amendment.

Roth added they worked on the case for several days right after it was referenced to them, and he says after speaking with the lead investigator and the county attorney, they felt the social media post did not rise to the level of a criminal charge.