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== Horace Sheffield III: Role in the Detroit Bridge Controversy ==
<blockquote>"Despite his national reputation, Sheffield is a guy who seems increasingly out-of-touch with the needs and hopes of everyday Detroiters."<ref name="fox2" /></blockquote>
=== Participation in "Astroturf" Organizing ===
 
== Membership on Kwame Kilpatrick Legal Fund Committee ==
'''Summary:''' Rev. Horace Sheffield III supported former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick during his legal troubles by joining a committee to raise funds for Kilpatrick's legal defense against perjury and misconduct charges.
 
=== Details: ===
In March 2008, Rev. Sheffield publicly acknowledged his membership on a committee established to raise funds for then-Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's legal defense.<ref name="mlive">The Associated Press. "TV judge Mathis denies role in Detroit mayor's defense fund." MLive, March 27, 2008.</ref> Kilpatrick was facing numerous criminal charges including perjury and misconduct that would eventually lead to his conviction and imprisonment.
 
Sheffield's involvement in this fundraising committee came at a time when Kilpatrick was facing increasing pressure to resign amid a text message scandal that revealed the mayor had lied under oath about an extramarital affair with his chief of staff. The legal defense fund was established to help Kilpatrick pay for private lawyers to defend against these serious criminal charges, which reports indicated "could cost Kilpatrick millions of dollars."<ref name="mlive" />
 
The fundraising committee's efforts were controversial enough that TV personality and former Detroit district court judge Greg Mathis publicly denied his involvement after Sheffield claimed Mathis was also part of the group. Mathis released a statement clarifying that he had told Kilpatrick he "could not support him" and recommended that the mayor "resign so the city can heal and move forward."<ref name="mlive" />
 
== "Astroturf" Organizing on Behalf of the Morouns ==
'''Summary:''' Rev. Horace Sheffield III participated in what academic researchers have identified as "astroturf" organizing - the practice of creating an appearance of grassroots community support through paid participation - as part of billionaire Matty Moroun's efforts to block a competing bridge project.
'''Summary:''' Rev. Horace Sheffield III participated in what academic researchers have identified as "astroturf" organizing - the practice of creating an appearance of grassroots community support through paid participation - as part of billionaire Matty Moroun's efforts to block a competing bridge project.
==== Details: ====
 
According to research by Amy Erin Krings of the University of Michigan, the Detroit International Bridge Company (DIBC) owned by Moroun engaged in "astroturf" organizing by paying protesters to attend public hearings about the New International Trade Crossing (NITC). In 2010, a group led by Rev. Sheffield spoke out against the NITC at such hearings.<ref name="krings74">Krings, Amy Erin. "Building Bridges Where There is Nothing Left to Burn: The Campaign for Environmental Justice in a Southwest Detroit Border Community." University of Michigan, 2015, p. 74.</ref>
=== Details: ===
After these 2010 hearings, members of Sheffield's group reportedly apologized to Delray residents, admitting they "didn't know" what the campaign was actually about and stating they were simply told they could make $40 by showing up, according to testimony gathered by Krings during her doctoral research.<ref name="krings75">Krings, Amy Erin. "Building Bridges Where There is Nothing Left to Burn: The Campaign for Environmental Justice in a Southwest Detroit Border Community." University of Michigan, 2015, p. 75.</ref>
According to research by Amy Erin Krings of the University of Michigan, the Detroit International Bridge Company (DIBC) owned by Moroun engaged in "astroturf" organizing through Rev. Sheffield who paid protesters to attend public hearings about the New International Trade Crossing (NITC).
This practice of paying people to protest created a false impression of community opposition to the bridge project, particularly since actual residents of the Delray neighborhood, where the bridge would be built, largely supported the NITC project (with community benefits) through their Southwest Detroit Community Benefits Coalition (CBC).<ref name="krings74"/><ref name="krings75"/>
 
=== Financial Connections to Bridge Company ===
In 2010, a group led by Rev. Sheffield spoke out against the NITC at such hearings.<ref name="krings">Krings, Amy Erin. "Building Bridges Where There is Nothing Left to Burn: The Campaign for Environmental Justice in a Southwest Detroit Border Community." University of Michigan, 2015, p. 74-75.</ref>
'''Summary:''' Rev. Sheffield acknowledged receiving advertising money from Moroun's bridge company to support his radio show, while claiming these payments didn't influence his opposition to the competing bridge project, contradicting the pattern of his advocacy.
==== Details: ====
When questioned about his relationship with Moroun's business interests, Sheffield admitted that he had taken advertising dollars from Moroun to support his radio show on WCHB.<ref name="sledge">Sledge, Matt. "Detroit Bridge Battle Pits City Residents Against Each Other." HuffPost, December 7, 2017.</ref> Despite this financial connection, Sheffield maintained that these donations were not the reason he opposed the crossing.<ref name="krings74"/>
His statements claiming independence from Moroun's influence stand in contrast to his consistent alignment with the bridge company's interests and the documented pattern of paid participation at hearings that supported those interests. This created a significant appearance of conflict of interest that undermined his credibility as a genuine community advocate on the issue.<ref name="sledge"/>
=== False Claims of Community Representation ===
'''Summary:''' Despite not representing or residing in the Delray neighborhood that would be most affected by the bridge, Sheffield positioned himself as speaking for Detroit's interests against the NITC project, directly contradicting the expressed wishes of actual neighborhood residents.
==== Details: ====
Sheffield's opposition to the NITC project put him at odds with the actual residents of Delray. At a critical Coast Guard public hearing about the environmental impact of Moroun's competing bridge expansion plans, Sheffield was the only speaker among forty who spoke in favor of Moroun's project.<ref name="metrotimes">News Hits staff. "Bridge backlash." Metro Times, March 2009.</ref>
Sheffield's opposition to the NITC project put him at odds with the actual residents of Delray. At a critical Coast Guard public hearing about the environmental impact of Moroun's competing bridge expansion plans, Sheffield was the only speaker among forty who spoke in favor of Moroun's project.<ref name="metrotimes">News Hits staff. "Bridge backlash." Metro Times, March 2009.</ref>
Academic research revealed significant tensions between Sheffield's group and actual Delray residents. During CBC meetings, members reported that Sheffield's supporters had minimal connection to the neighborhood and were unaware of the actual issues at stake.<ref name="krings75"/>
 
This false representation allowed opponents of the NITC project, particularly Democratic state senators, to claim they were opposing the project because of "objections within the host community" - despite the fact that the actual community organization in Delray supported the NITC with community benefits agreements.<ref name="krings75"/>
During CBC meetings, members reported that Sheffield's supporters had minimal connection to the neighborhood and were unaware of the actual issues at stake.<ref name="krings" /> This false representation allowed opponents of the NITC project, particularly Democratic state senators, to claim they were opposing the project because of "objections within the host community" - despite the fact that the actual community organization in Delray supported the NITC with community benefits agreements.<ref name="krings" />
 
After these 2010 hearings, members of Sheffield's group reportedly apologized to Delray residents, admitting they "didn't know" what the campaign was actually about and stating they were simply told they could make $40 by showing up, according to testimony gathered by Krings during her doctoral research.<ref name="krings" />
 
When confronted about his relationship with Moroun and accusations that he was being paid to oppose the NITC bridge, Sheffield admitted that he had taken advertising dollars from Moroun to support his radio show on WCHB.<ref name="sledge">Sledge, Matt. "Detroit Bridge Battle Pits City Residents Against Each Other." HuffPost, December 7, 2017.</ref> Despite this financial connection, Sheffield maintained that these donations were not the reason he opposed the crossing.<ref name="krings" />
 
His statements claiming independence from Moroun's influence stand in contrast to his consistent alignment with the bridge company's interests and the documented pattern of paid participation at hearings that supported those interests.<ref name="sledge" />
 
== Involvement in FBI City Council Corruption Investigation ==
'''Summary:''' Rev. Sheffield was at the center of an FBI corruption investigation regarding alleged bribery of Detroit City Council members, where his actions raised questions about his judgment and commitment to combating corruption in local government.
 
=== Details: ===
In early 2014, Rev. Sheffield became entangled in an FBI investigation into alleged bribery of Detroit City Council members over the council presidency vote. The federal probe was triggered by a conversation at Cutter's Bar and Grill in Eastern Market between Sheffield, Detroit Police Chief [[James Craig]], and political consultant [[Adolph Mongo]], where they discussed rumors of a payoff scheme at city hall.<ref name="mlive2014">The Associated Press. "FBI investigates whether Detroit council members were paid off for president vote." MLive, March 2014.</ref>
 
Sheffield's daughter, [[Mary Sheffield]], was a newly elected councilwoman who participated in the 5-4 vote that made [[Brenda Jones]] council president. During this bar conversation, Sheffield expressed concerns that contractor Thomas Hardiman Sr. (who had been a government witness in former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's corruption trial) was trying to bribe council members by offering to pay off campaign debt in exchange for votes.<ref name="motorCity">Steve Neavling. "Police Chief Craig betrays no-snitching culture by calling FBI. Why didn't Rev. Sheffield?" Motor City Muckraker, 2014.</ref>
 
While Police Chief Craig immediately reported these allegations to the FBI, Sheffield did not contact authorities despite reportedly being concerned about corruption. When asked why he didn't report the alleged crimes himself, Sheffield responded, "I wasn't reporting a crime. I was reporting my disgust with him having a conversation with my daughter."<ref name="motorCity" />
 
Sheffield later expressed regret about even discussing the matter, stating: "Had I known that he was going to take it to that level, I wouldn't have said anything." This statement raised significant questions about Sheffield's commitment to combating corruption when it conflicts with his personal interests.<ref name="motorCity" />
 
As a result of Chief Craig's report, the FBI launched an investigation and Sheffield was subpoenaed to testify before a federal grand jury.<ref name="WWJ">WWJ. "Detroit Pastor Summoned To Grand Jury In City Council Probe." CBS Detroit, 2014.</ref> Through his attorney, Sheffield maintained he was not a target of the probe but rather a witness to the alleged corruption.<ref name="WWJ" />
 
== Assault Accusations and Temperament Issues ==
'''Summary:''' Rev. Sheffield has faced public accusations of assault and has demonstrated a documented history of confrontational behavior, raising questions about his temperament and conduct as a community leader.
 
=== Details: ===
In a significant controversy, a special education teacher at Sheffield's Detroit Cares Alternative Academy accused him of assault. According to reports, the incident allegedly occurred following a dispute about proper protocol for reporting a sexual incident involving a student. The teacher had reportedly informed the student's parents directly rather than following administrative channels, which led to her termination and the subsequent confrontation.<ref name="fox2">Jeff T. Wattrick, "Horace Sheffield accused of assaulting Detroit special education teacher." '''MLive''',  March 18, 2011.</ref>
 
This was not the first public incident involving Sheffield's temperament. Local media and observers have documented multiple instances where Sheffield lost his composure in public settings. In one documented case, radio station WDET captured Sheffield launching into an angry tirade at a Detroit resident who had apparently interrupted him during a public event.<ref name="fox2" />
 
Local commentators have noted the disconnect between Sheffield's national reputation as a respected voice for Detroiters and his local reputation. As one observer put it, "Despite his national reputation, Sheffield is a guy who seems increasingly out-of-touch with the needs and hopes of everyday Detroiters."<ref name="fox2" />
 
== The File ==
== The File ==
<references />
<references />

Latest revision as of 13:48, 20 March 2025

"Despite his national reputation, Sheffield is a guy who seems increasingly out-of-touch with the needs and hopes of everyday Detroiters."[1]

Summary: Rev. Horace Sheffield III supported former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick during his legal troubles by joining a committee to raise funds for Kilpatrick's legal defense against perjury and misconduct charges.

Details:

In March 2008, Rev. Sheffield publicly acknowledged his membership on a committee established to raise funds for then-Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's legal defense.[2] Kilpatrick was facing numerous criminal charges including perjury and misconduct that would eventually lead to his conviction and imprisonment.

Sheffield's involvement in this fundraising committee came at a time when Kilpatrick was facing increasing pressure to resign amid a text message scandal that revealed the mayor had lied under oath about an extramarital affair with his chief of staff. The legal defense fund was established to help Kilpatrick pay for private lawyers to defend against these serious criminal charges, which reports indicated "could cost Kilpatrick millions of dollars."[2]

The fundraising committee's efforts were controversial enough that TV personality and former Detroit district court judge Greg Mathis publicly denied his involvement after Sheffield claimed Mathis was also part of the group. Mathis released a statement clarifying that he had told Kilpatrick he "could not support him" and recommended that the mayor "resign so the city can heal and move forward."[2]

"Astroturf" Organizing on Behalf of the Morouns

Summary: Rev. Horace Sheffield III participated in what academic researchers have identified as "astroturf" organizing - the practice of creating an appearance of grassroots community support through paid participation - as part of billionaire Matty Moroun's efforts to block a competing bridge project.

Details:

According to research by Amy Erin Krings of the University of Michigan, the Detroit International Bridge Company (DIBC) owned by Moroun engaged in "astroturf" organizing through Rev. Sheffield who paid protesters to attend public hearings about the New International Trade Crossing (NITC).

In 2010, a group led by Rev. Sheffield spoke out against the NITC at such hearings.[3] Sheffield's opposition to the NITC project put him at odds with the actual residents of Delray. At a critical Coast Guard public hearing about the environmental impact of Moroun's competing bridge expansion plans, Sheffield was the only speaker among forty who spoke in favor of Moroun's project.[4]

During CBC meetings, members reported that Sheffield's supporters had minimal connection to the neighborhood and were unaware of the actual issues at stake.[3] This false representation allowed opponents of the NITC project, particularly Democratic state senators, to claim they were opposing the project because of "objections within the host community" - despite the fact that the actual community organization in Delray supported the NITC with community benefits agreements.[3]

After these 2010 hearings, members of Sheffield's group reportedly apologized to Delray residents, admitting they "didn't know" what the campaign was actually about and stating they were simply told they could make $40 by showing up, according to testimony gathered by Krings during her doctoral research.[3]

When confronted about his relationship with Moroun and accusations that he was being paid to oppose the NITC bridge, Sheffield admitted that he had taken advertising dollars from Moroun to support his radio show on WCHB.[5] Despite this financial connection, Sheffield maintained that these donations were not the reason he opposed the crossing.[3]

His statements claiming independence from Moroun's influence stand in contrast to his consistent alignment with the bridge company's interests and the documented pattern of paid participation at hearings that supported those interests.[5]

Involvement in FBI City Council Corruption Investigation

Summary: Rev. Sheffield was at the center of an FBI corruption investigation regarding alleged bribery of Detroit City Council members, where his actions raised questions about his judgment and commitment to combating corruption in local government.

Details:

In early 2014, Rev. Sheffield became entangled in an FBI investigation into alleged bribery of Detroit City Council members over the council presidency vote. The federal probe was triggered by a conversation at Cutter's Bar and Grill in Eastern Market between Sheffield, Detroit Police Chief James Craig, and political consultant Adolph Mongo, where they discussed rumors of a payoff scheme at city hall.[6]

Sheffield's daughter, Mary Sheffield, was a newly elected councilwoman who participated in the 5-4 vote that made Brenda Jones council president. During this bar conversation, Sheffield expressed concerns that contractor Thomas Hardiman Sr. (who had been a government witness in former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's corruption trial) was trying to bribe council members by offering to pay off campaign debt in exchange for votes.[7]

While Police Chief Craig immediately reported these allegations to the FBI, Sheffield did not contact authorities despite reportedly being concerned about corruption. When asked why he didn't report the alleged crimes himself, Sheffield responded, "I wasn't reporting a crime. I was reporting my disgust with him having a conversation with my daughter."[7]

Sheffield later expressed regret about even discussing the matter, stating: "Had I known that he was going to take it to that level, I wouldn't have said anything." This statement raised significant questions about Sheffield's commitment to combating corruption when it conflicts with his personal interests.[7]

As a result of Chief Craig's report, the FBI launched an investigation and Sheffield was subpoenaed to testify before a federal grand jury.[8] Through his attorney, Sheffield maintained he was not a target of the probe but rather a witness to the alleged corruption.[8]

Assault Accusations and Temperament Issues

Summary: Rev. Sheffield has faced public accusations of assault and has demonstrated a documented history of confrontational behavior, raising questions about his temperament and conduct as a community leader.

Details:

In a significant controversy, a special education teacher at Sheffield's Detroit Cares Alternative Academy accused him of assault. According to reports, the incident allegedly occurred following a dispute about proper protocol for reporting a sexual incident involving a student. The teacher had reportedly informed the student's parents directly rather than following administrative channels, which led to her termination and the subsequent confrontation.[1]

This was not the first public incident involving Sheffield's temperament. Local media and observers have documented multiple instances where Sheffield lost his composure in public settings. In one documented case, radio station WDET captured Sheffield launching into an angry tirade at a Detroit resident who had apparently interrupted him during a public event.[1]

Local commentators have noted the disconnect between Sheffield's national reputation as a respected voice for Detroiters and his local reputation. As one observer put it, "Despite his national reputation, Sheffield is a guy who seems increasingly out-of-touch with the needs and hopes of everyday Detroiters."[1]

The File

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 Jeff T. Wattrick, "Horace Sheffield accused of assaulting Detroit special education teacher." MLive, March 18, 2011.
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 The Associated Press. "TV judge Mathis denies role in Detroit mayor's defense fund." MLive, March 27, 2008.
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 Krings, Amy Erin. "Building Bridges Where There is Nothing Left to Burn: The Campaign for Environmental Justice in a Southwest Detroit Border Community." University of Michigan, 2015, p. 74-75.
  4. ↑ News Hits staff. "Bridge backlash." Metro Times, March 2009.
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 Sledge, Matt. "Detroit Bridge Battle Pits City Residents Against Each Other." HuffPost, December 7, 2017.
  6. ↑ The Associated Press. "FBI investigates whether Detroit council members were paid off for president vote." MLive, March 2014.
  7. ↑ 7.0 7.1 7.2 Steve Neavling. "Police Chief Craig betrays no-snitching culture by calling FBI. Why didn't Rev. Sheffield?" Motor City Muckraker, 2014.
  8. ↑ 8.0 8.1 WWJ. "Detroit Pastor Summoned To Grand Jury In City Council Probe." CBS Detroit, 2014.
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