Chris Jackson

Prosecutor: "Was there any doubt in your mind Mr. Jackson you were paying Mr. Riddle for Monica Conyers' vote?" Chris Jackson: "No."

Federal Corruption Trial and Bribery Admission

Chris Jackson became a central figure in Detroit's corruption investigations when he admitted under oath to federal prosecutors that he attempted to buy a Detroit City Council vote through cash payments to a council aide. Jackson's testimony revealed the mechanics of Detroit's "pay-to-play" political culture during the Kilpatrick era.

The Déjà Vu Strip Club Scheme

In 2006, Jackson was working as a consultant for Déjà Vu Consulting, which sought to transfer a topless bar license to a downtown Detroit location. Jackson testified that Sam Riddle, chief of staff to Councilwoman Monica Conyers, demanded $25,000 for Conyers' vote on the license transfer.

Joe Hall, general manager of Déjà Vu Consulting, testified that Riddle appeared at a meeting at Andiamo restaurant in Dearborn wearing a "gravy-stained tracksuit" and demanding $25,000, which Hall likened to "something out of a bad movie." When Déjà Vu executives refused to pay the bribe, Jackson took matters into his own hands.

Despite his clients' refusal to pay bribes, Jackson proceeded with the payments because he had a personal financial stake in the deal - he was negotiating for partial ownership of the clubs if the license transfer was approved. Jackson testified that he made two payments to Riddle's company, Meridian Management Systems:

• $10,000 on November 17, 2006, for Conyers to reconsider her vote
• $15,000 if the City Council ultimately approved the transfer

The timing was crucial: Conyers filed a reconsideration memo with the city clerk on the exact same day Jackson made his first payment. However, public opposition from religious groups ultimately prevented Conyers from pursuing the matter, and Jackson placed a stop payment on the second check. Bank records show Riddle attempted to deposit the voided check on November 27, 2006.

Federal Court Admission

When questioned by federal prosecutors about his intent, Jackson was unambiguous. Prosecutor: "Was there any doubt in your mind Mr. Jackson you were paying Mr. Riddle for Monica Conyers' vote?" Jackson's response: "No."

Jackson claimed he felt "victimized" and "shaken down" by the corrupt system, but acknowledged he went forward with the payments anyway because he "didn't want to miss the opportunity to make a lot of money."

From Witness to Insider

Despite admitting to federal crimes, Jackson received immunity for his cooperation and has since built a career as both a developer and political operative in Detroit.

Jackson currently serves as treasurer of the Detroit Building Authority Commission, a position that oversees major construction projects and public spending. Detroit City Council voted to reappoint Jackson to the Detroit Building Authority for a new term running through January 31, 2029. This reappointment occurred while he was simultaneously serving as executive director of Detroit Next PAC, which was funding campaign materials for council president and mayoral candidate, Mary Sheffield.

Jackson's influence extends beyond traditional city government positions. He served as chair of the Neighborhood Advisory Council for the District Detroit project. This role placed Jackson at the center of one of Detroit's largest development deals, where an estimated $615 million in public incentives were granted to billionaire developers despite significant community opposition.

Jackson's support for the District Detroit incentive package came amid significant community opposition. Detroit resident Anna Harris characterized the project as a "false dichotomy" where citizens were told to "fork over billions to billionaires or we get nothing," arguing that "vibrant cities are not an island of suburbanite playground of parking lots, chain restaurants and big box stores" that should be "subsidizing those efforts with desperately needed public funds."

Professional Fundraising Operation

Jackson has operated as a political fundraiser, hosting events for numerous Detroit and state officials. Beneficiaries have included:

• Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones
• Councilman Scott Benson
• Failed 2013 mayoral candidate Benny Napoleon
• Detroit City Council President Mary Sheffield (ongoing)

The Sheffield Connection

Jackson's relationship with Mary Sheffield represents a troubling pattern of Detroit politicians maintaining close ties with individuals who have admitted to corruption.

Annual Fundraising Host

Jackson has served as one of ten official hosts for Sheffield's annual "Tis the Season" fundraiser, a holiday-themed political fundraising event.

When confronted by investigative reporter M.L. Elrick about Jackson's corruption admission, Sheffield was remarkably dismissive:

Elrick: "He's also someone who had admitted under oath in a federal trial that he tried to buy a councilwoman's vote. Does that concern you at all?"

Sheffield: "No."

Elrick: "How come?"

Sheffield: "He's one of several hosts on my committee. And again he has served as a host for several elected officials in the city and state for the last 18 years. Again, he has served the citizens of the city since I've been elected. He's done an outstanding job. I'm honored to have him as a host."

Detroit Next PAC Leadership

More significantly, Jackson serves as executive director of Detroit Next PAC, a political action committee specifically created to support Sheffield's mayoral campaign. The PAC has funded Pro-Sheffield propaganda including:

• Billboard campaigns across Detroit
• Campaign literature distribution

Jackson's Public Defense

When contacted for comment about his continued political activities, Jackson's representatives issued a statement claiming he was "victimized during an era marked by political corruption" and emphasizing his cooperation with federal authorities:

"Nearly 10 years ago, Mr. Jackson became one person in a long line of people who were victimized during an era marked by political corruption in the city. He was a witness for the federal government in their successful prosecution of several people. Chris Jackson's courage, cooperation and testimony helped end public corruption in the city."

Notably, this defense omits Jackson's admission that he voluntarily initiated bribe payments for personal financial gain, instead framing him as a victim of the system he helped perpetuate.