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[[File:Warren Evans (48871943676) (1).jpg|thumb|Warren Evans]] | <blockquote>"Warren Evans... is covered head-to-toe in the same slime of cronyism that is the distinguishing characteristic of the Edward McNamara administration."<ref name=":12" /> | ||
Warren Evans, who served as [[Wayne County Sheriff]] and [[Detroit Police Chief]] before becoming [[Wayne County Executive]], has | |||
- The Detroit News</blockquote>[[File:Warren Evans (48871943676) (1).jpg|thumb|Warren Evans]] | |||
The career trajectory of Warren Evans, who served as [[Wayne County Sheriff]] and [[Detroit Police Chief]] before becoming [[Wayne County Executive]], has been closely intertwined with Wayne County's powerful McNamara political machine. | |||
* Served as director of McNamara's Department of Community Justice from 1991-1997 | |||
* Previously worked in the sheriff's department, rising to undersheriff before departing in 1990 | |||
* Briefly worked for the Wayne County Commission before joining McNamara's administration<ref>"Former McNamara officials find jobs - Many now work for others groomed by ex-county boss," Detroit News, July 17, 2003</ref> | |||
The controversies around Evans' appointments and contracts played out against the backdrop of a federal grand jury investigation into the McNamara administration regarding: | |||
* Political fund-raising practices | |||
* Contract award decisions | |||
* Use of county resources for political campaigns | |||
* Documents uncovered during political feuds between Evans/Duggan and incoming Executive Robert Ficano were finding their way to FBI investigators<ref>"Power fight saps Wayne Co. - Duggan, Evans vs. Ficano feud attracts feds' attention," Detroit News, March 2, 2003</ref> | |||
Evans' various roles and business dealings exemplify how the McNamara machine operated - rewarding insiders with appointments and contracts while maintaining political control even after McNamara's departure. The Detroit News characterized Evans as "covered head-to-toe in the same slime of cronyism that is the distinguishing characteristic of the Edward McNamara administration."<ref name=":12">"Fire Evans As Sheriff Before He Takes Office," Detroit News, December 8, 2002</ref> | |||
== Business Dealings and Contracts == | |||
In 2001, while working in Wayne County Prosecutor Michael Duggan's office, Evans' company received a $54,432 consulting contract from the county Department of Community Justice. The contract raised conflict concerns given Evans' former role heading that department; he claimed he had placed his interest in a blind trust. His brother Blair Evans also received county contracts, including computer work for the sheriff's department that was terminated due to conflict concerns. These arrangements typified what critics called McNamara's practice of steering contracts to a privileged inner circle<ref>"Power fight saps Wayne Co. - Duggan, Evans vs. Ficano feud attracts feds' attention," Detroit News, March 2, 2003</ref><ref>"Ficano probes no-bid deals - Wayne exec to review youth department's contracts," Detroit News, June 22, 2003</ref> | |||
== Board of Water Commissioners == | |||
As president of the Board of Water Commissioners in 2002, Evans became embroiled in controversy over a troubled $11 million computer billing system contract. The contract drew intense scrutiny for several problematic aspects: | |||
==== Contract Bidding and Price Issues ==== | |||
* The contract was awarded to Sync Technologies, run by Donna Stallings, a member of Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's transition team | |||
* The final price was $2.1 million higher than Sync's original bid and nearly $5 million more than the runner-up bid | |||
* The price increase occurred after the open bidding process was complete | |||
* The contract included unusually high consulting rates - up to $208 per hour for work that typically paid $22-27 per hour in the Detroit market<ref name=":13">"Water bid-rigging claimed - New computer billing system is $2.1 million over bid; two lawsuits cite favoritism," Detroit News, September 4, 2002</ref> | |||
==== Bidding Process Irregularities ==== | |||
* A water department deputy director had an "highly unusual" meeting with competitor Compuware during the bidding process | |||
* After this meeting, an "inaccurate" negative reference check was conducted against another bidder, SCT-Alpha Data | |||
* The negative reference report, which department leadership agreed to keep quiet, was leaked to the bid evaluation team | |||
* Water officials in Columbus, Ohio stated their references were "definitely a misrepresented" to cast SCT-Alpha Data's system in a poor light<ref name=":13" /> | |||
==== Contract Implementation Problems ==== | |||
* The system that won Sync Technologies the bid was later abandoned due to reliability concerns | |||
* The final contract specified no particular software system, despite bid requirements for a "tried and proven" system | |||
* The contract was already a year behind schedule by September 2002 | |||
* The project drew two lawsuits alleging bid-rigging and contract manipulation<ref name=":13" /> | |||
Evans defended the controversial contract, stating the board "did the right thing" in approving it. He justified the lack of specified software by citing the "fast pace of change in the software industry."<ref name=":13" /> However, the controversy highlighted ongoing concerns about contracting practices during Evans' tenure leading the water board, particularly regarding transparency and cost controls. | |||
== Wayne County Sheriff == | == Wayne County Sheriff == | ||
=== Appointment and Early Controversies === | |||
In late 2002, Evans faced controversy over his appointment as Wayne County Sheriff through a selection panel consisting of Wayne County Prosecutor Michael Duggan, the chief probate judge, and county clerk.<ref>"Don't Let Cronies Pick Sheriff," Detroit News, November 26, 2002</ref> Critics, including The Detroit News editorial board, argued the appointment process perpetuated political cronyism, as Evans was a top aide to Duggan who had previously worked under former County Executive Edward McNamara.<ref name=":12" /> | |||
=== Ameritech Jail Phone Contract Controversy === | |||
In December 2002, just weeks before taking office as Wayne County Sheriff, Evans faced significant scrutiny over his lucrative consulting arrangement with SBC Ameritech for jail phone services. Through his company, The Evans Group, he received 15% of gross receipts from all pay telephone calls made by inmates at both the county jail and juvenile detention facility.<ref name=":14">"New sheriff defends phone ties - He kept his contract with Ameritech," Detroit News, December 6, 2002</ref> The no-bid contract had several concerning aspects: | |||
* Based on estimated annual gross receipts of $2.1 million, Evans' company could have received up to $315,000 per year after expenses, though Evans claimed he received less than $100,000 annually. | |||
* Inmates were charged high rates of $3 per call plus 25-30 cents per minute, even for local calls. | |||
* The contract began March 7, 2000, while Evans was in private business, but he continued holding it after joining the Wayne County Prosecutor's office in early 2001. | |||
* Evans was selected without a competitive bidding process, despite being a former undersheriff who had overseen jail operations.<ref name=":14" /> | |||
When questioned about his compensation and responsibilities under the contract, Evans responded, "I'm not sure it's anybody's business." He claimed his role involved resolving billing disputes, reducing bad debts, and educating prisoners about calling privileges.<ref name=":14" /> While SBC Ameritech officials stated the contract required both a consultant and participation from a "disadvantaged business enterprise," they could not explain why Evans specifically was chosen. The company official who negotiated the contract had left, and spokespeople said they could not speculate whether Ameritech could perform the contract without Evans as consultant.<ref name=":14" /> | |||
Ethics experts and critics viewed the arrangement as a clear conflict of interest for a county employee to profit from a contract with a county vendor. The Detroit News editorial board cited it as "a sterling example of how McNamara took care of his inner circle" and evidence of Evans being "covered head-to-toe in the same slime of cronyism" that characterized the McNamara administration.<ref name=":15">"Fire Evans As Sheriff Before He Takes Office," Detroit News, December 8, 2002</ref> Evans defended maintaining the contract after rejoining county employment but acknowledged it would create a conflict of interest once he became sheriff. He pledged to sell his interest before taking office in January 2003.<ref name=":13" /> The controversy contributed to calls for the panel that appointed him sheriff to rescind their decision, though this did not occur.<ref name=":15" /> | |||
== Detroit Police Chief Tenure and Resignation (2009-2010) == | == Detroit Police Chief Tenure and Resignation (2009-2010) == | ||
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== Wayne County Executive == | == Wayne County Executive == | ||
=== Nepotism and Hiring Controversies === | === Nepotism and Hiring Controversies === | ||
In 2017, Evans faced criticism over hiring practices and apparent nepotism in Wayne County government. The controversy centered around the hiring and promotion of his then-girlfriend (later wife) [[Renata Seals-Evans]] and reciprocal hiring arrangements with other county officials.<ref name=":6">John Wisely, ''"Warren Evans' wife resigns county job amid questions,"'' Detroit Free Press, May 23, 2017.</ref> Seals-Evans was initially hired in February 2016 at the Wayne County Treasurer's office as a $60,000 contractor while dating Evans, despite having no government experience or college degree. She was later promoted to a full-time position with a $10,000 raise by Treasurer [[Eric Sabree]], who Evans had endorsed for office. The promotion was made without considering other candidates.<ref name=":7">Ross Jones, ''"Warren Evans' wife advances in gov't job despite no gov't experience,"'' WXYZ Detroit, May 18, 2017.</ref> | In 2017, Evans faced criticism over hiring practices and apparent nepotism in Wayne County government. The controversy centered around the hiring and promotion of his then-girlfriend (later wife) [[Renata Seals-Evans]] and reciprocal hiring arrangements with other county officials.<ref name=":6">John Wisely, ''"Warren Evans' wife resigns county job amid questions,"'' Detroit Free Press, May 23, 2017.</ref> Seals-Evans was initially hired in February 2016 at the Wayne County Treasurer's office by [[Richard Hathaway]] as a $60,000 contractor while dating Evans, despite having no government experience or college degree. She was later promoted to a full-time position with a $10,000 raise by Treasurer [[Eric Sabree]], who Evans had endorsed for office. The promotion was made without considering other candidates.<ref name=":7">Ross Jones, ''"Warren Evans' wife advances in gov't job despite no gov't experience,"'' WXYZ Detroit, May 18, 2017.</ref> | ||
Questions arose about Seals-Evans' qualifications for a position advising residents on tax payments, as investigations revealed she had multiple financial judgments against her, including from debt collectors and apartment complexes. Former Wayne County Auditor General Brendan Dunleavy characterized the arrangement as "stinking of nepotism and favoritism."<ref name=":7" /> | Questions arose about Seals-Evans' qualifications for a position advising residents on tax payments, as investigations revealed she had multiple financial judgments against her, including from debt collectors and apartment complexes. Former Wayne County Auditor General Brendan Dunleavy characterized the arrangement as "stinking of nepotism and favoritism."<ref name=":7" /> | ||
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* When questioned by media in 2024 about Saunders' ongoing contract following domestic violence charges, Evans' office declined substantive comment beyond acknowledging awareness of the situation.<ref name=":5" /> | * When questioned by media in 2024 about Saunders' ongoing contract following domestic violence charges, Evans' office declined substantive comment beyond acknowledging awareness of the situation.<ref name=":5" /> | ||
County commissioners, including Glenn Anderson and Diane Webb, criticized these arrangements for excessive costs and apparent conflicts of interest.<ref name=" | County commissioners, including Glenn Anderson and Diane Webb, criticized these arrangements for excessive costs and apparent conflicts of interest.<ref name=":5" /> Former Wayne County Auditor General Brendan Dunleavy characterized some of Saunders' business dealings under Evans as perpetuating "appearances of impropriety" that undermined trust in county government.<ref name=":4" /> | ||
== The File == |
Latest revision as of 14:52, 3 March 2025
"Warren Evans... is covered head-to-toe in the same slime of cronyism that is the distinguishing characteristic of the Edward McNamara administration."[1] - The Detroit News

The career trajectory of Warren Evans, who served as Wayne County Sheriff and Detroit Police Chief before becoming Wayne County Executive, has been closely intertwined with Wayne County's powerful McNamara political machine.
- Served as director of McNamara's Department of Community Justice from 1991-1997
- Previously worked in the sheriff's department, rising to undersheriff before departing in 1990
- Briefly worked for the Wayne County Commission before joining McNamara's administration[2]
The controversies around Evans' appointments and contracts played out against the backdrop of a federal grand jury investigation into the McNamara administration regarding:
- Political fund-raising practices
- Contract award decisions
- Use of county resources for political campaigns
- Documents uncovered during political feuds between Evans/Duggan and incoming Executive Robert Ficano were finding their way to FBI investigators[3]
Evans' various roles and business dealings exemplify how the McNamara machine operated - rewarding insiders with appointments and contracts while maintaining political control even after McNamara's departure. The Detroit News characterized Evans as "covered head-to-toe in the same slime of cronyism that is the distinguishing characteristic of the Edward McNamara administration."[1]
Business Dealings and Contracts
In 2001, while working in Wayne County Prosecutor Michael Duggan's office, Evans' company received a $54,432 consulting contract from the county Department of Community Justice. The contract raised conflict concerns given Evans' former role heading that department; he claimed he had placed his interest in a blind trust. His brother Blair Evans also received county contracts, including computer work for the sheriff's department that was terminated due to conflict concerns. These arrangements typified what critics called McNamara's practice of steering contracts to a privileged inner circle[4][5]
Board of Water Commissioners
As president of the Board of Water Commissioners in 2002, Evans became embroiled in controversy over a troubled $11 million computer billing system contract. The contract drew intense scrutiny for several problematic aspects:
Contract Bidding and Price Issues
- The contract was awarded to Sync Technologies, run by Donna Stallings, a member of Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's transition team
- The final price was $2.1 million higher than Sync's original bid and nearly $5 million more than the runner-up bid
- The price increase occurred after the open bidding process was complete
- The contract included unusually high consulting rates - up to $208 per hour for work that typically paid $22-27 per hour in the Detroit market[6]
Bidding Process Irregularities
- A water department deputy director had an "highly unusual" meeting with competitor Compuware during the bidding process
- After this meeting, an "inaccurate" negative reference check was conducted against another bidder, SCT-Alpha Data
- The negative reference report, which department leadership agreed to keep quiet, was leaked to the bid evaluation team
- Water officials in Columbus, Ohio stated their references were "definitely a misrepresented" to cast SCT-Alpha Data's system in a poor light[6]
Contract Implementation Problems
- The system that won Sync Technologies the bid was later abandoned due to reliability concerns
- The final contract specified no particular software system, despite bid requirements for a "tried and proven" system
- The contract was already a year behind schedule by September 2002
- The project drew two lawsuits alleging bid-rigging and contract manipulation[6]
Evans defended the controversial contract, stating the board "did the right thing" in approving it. He justified the lack of specified software by citing the "fast pace of change in the software industry."[6] However, the controversy highlighted ongoing concerns about contracting practices during Evans' tenure leading the water board, particularly regarding transparency and cost controls.
Wayne County Sheriff
Appointment and Early Controversies
Ameritech Jail Phone Contract Controversy
Detroit Police Chief Tenure and Resignation (2009-2010)
Mobile Strike Force
Police Killing of Aiyana Stanley-Jones
"The Chief"
Relationship with Subordinate and Ouster
Attempt to Leverage Knowledge of Another Affair to Regain a City Position
Wayne County Executive
Nepotism and Hiring Controversies
Great Lakes Water Authority Nomination Controversy
Saunders Contract Scandal and Administrative Oversight
The File
- ↑ Jump up to: 1.0 1.1 1.2 "Fire Evans As Sheriff Before He Takes Office," Detroit News, December 8, 2002
- ↑ "Former McNamara officials find jobs - Many now work for others groomed by ex-county boss," Detroit News, July 17, 2003
- ↑ "Power fight saps Wayne Co. - Duggan, Evans vs. Ficano feud attracts feds' attention," Detroit News, March 2, 2003
- ↑ "Power fight saps Wayne Co. - Duggan, Evans vs. Ficano feud attracts feds' attention," Detroit News, March 2, 2003
- ↑ "Ficano probes no-bid deals - Wayne exec to review youth department's contracts," Detroit News, June 22, 2003
- ↑ Jump up to: 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 "Water bid-rigging claimed - New computer billing system is $2.1 million over bid; two lawsuits cite favoritism," Detroit News, September 4, 2002
- ↑ "Don't Let Cronies Pick Sheriff," Detroit News, November 26, 2002
- ↑ Jump up to: 8.0 8.1 8.2 8.3 "New sheriff defends phone ties - He kept his contract with Ameritech," Detroit News, December 6, 2002
- ↑ Jump up to: 9.0 9.1 "Fire Evans As Sheriff Before He Takes Office," Detroit News, December 8, 2002
- ↑ Jump up to: 10.0 10.1 Amber Hunt, "Police Prowl City for Guns", Detroit Free Press, June 6, 2010
- ↑ Jump up to: 11.0 11.1 11.2 George Hunter and Charlie LeDuff, "Detroit police crackdown crosses line, critics say", The Detroit News, A1, March 3, 2010.
- ↑ Jump up to: 12.0 12.1 12.2 12.3 G.W. Schulz, "More observers asking if Detroit's 'paramilitary' police tactics go too far", Center for Investigative Reporting, June 17, 2010
- ↑ Jump up to: 13.0 13.1 13.2 Charlie LeDuff, "What Killed Aiyana Stanley-Jones?", Mother Jones, November/December 2010
- ↑ Rose Hackman, "'She was only a baby': last charge dropped in police raid that killed sleeping Detroit child", The Guardian, January 31, 2015
- ↑ "Officer negligently shot, killed 7-year-old girl, per lawsuit", VerdictSearch, April 4, 2019
- ↑ Aaron Foley, "Photos of the day: Ex-Detroit Police Chief Warren Evans' love affairs with camera, coworkers", MLive, July 22, 2010
- ↑ Jump up to: 17.0 17.1 17.2 17.3 Staff Writer, "Acting Detroit police chief also in affair", The Columbus Dispatch, August 12, 2010
- ↑ Jonathan Oosting, "Text message scandal 2.0: Detroit Police Chief apologizes for 'personal' texts", MLive, August 11, 2010
- ↑ Jonathan Oosting, MLive, August 11, 2010
- ↑ Jump up to: 20.0 20.1 20.2 John Wisely, "Warren Evans' wife resigns county job amid questions," Detroit Free Press, May 23, 2017.
- ↑ Jump up to: 21.0 21.1 Ross Jones, "Warren Evans' wife advances in gov't job despite no gov't experience," WXYZ Detroit, May 18, 2017.
- ↑ Jump up to: 22.0 22.1 John Wisely and Kathleen Gray, "Questions arise over Wayne County hiring practices," Detroit Free Press, May 25, 2017.
- ↑ Jump up to: 23.0 23.1 23.2 23.3 23.4 Ross Jones, "Warren Evans wants controversial ex-Kilpatrick ally on mental health board," WXYZ-TV, November 17, 2021.
- ↑ Jump up to: 24.0 24.1 WXYZ-TV, "Wayne County Executive Warren Evans rescinds controversial Great Lakes Water Authority nomination," December 7, 2016.
- ↑ Detroit Wayne Integrated Health Network Board of Directors records, 2025.
- ↑ Keith A. Owens, "Wayne County CFO Tony Saunders transitioning to private practice," Michigan Chronicle, April 5, 2017.
- ↑ Jump up to: 27.0 27.1 Ross Jones, "Wayne County manager in business with county vendor, out-of-state govts.," WXYZ Detroit, July 27, 2017.
- ↑ Ross Jones, "Wayne County contractor worked for Rock Ventures during jail negotiations," WXYZ Detroit, July 11, 2018.
- ↑ Jump up to: 29.0 29.1 29.2 M.L. Elrick, "Wayne County contractor's arrest on domestic violence charges raises questions," Detroit Free Press, February 25, 2024.