During a recent session of the Multnomah County Commission, Addie Smith, a resident of District 1, delivered a passionate address regarding her son Jaylen's ongoing legal troubles and alleged systemic racism within the probation system. Smith accused Amanda Miller, a probation officer, of misconduct, claiming that Miller had arrested Jaylen in retaliation for Smith's complaints against her to the commission.
Smith detailed a series of events leading to Jaylen's arrest, asserting that Miller misrepresented facts in court, including failing to disclose that charges against Jaylen in Georgia had been dismissed. She described her son as an educated graduate of Morehouse College, alleging that he has been unfairly targeted due to his race.
The testimony also highlighted an incident involving a park ranger, whom Smith accused of racial profiling. She recounted how the ranger approached Jaylen and his girlfriend while they were parked, claiming the ranger's actions were motivated by racial bias rather than any actual violation of park rules.
Smith's remarks drew attention to broader issues of racial discrimination within the legal and probation systems, calling for accountability and reform. The commission members listened as she emphasized the need for a fairer treatment of individuals, particularly those from marginalized communities.