Mary Waters: Difference between revisions
Created page with "== Federal Bribery Cases == In July 2009, Waters and political consultant Sam Riddle were indicted by a federal grand jury in a corruption probe that revealed multiple alleged pay-to-play schemes. The investigation was part of a broader federal probe into corruption in Detroit politics that would eventually lead to dozens of convictions.[1] The indictment detailed a scheme involving a Detroit jewelry store's relocation to Southfield. According to federal prosecutors..." |
No edit summary |
||
| Line 1: | Line 1: | ||
== Federal Bribery | == Federal Bribery Conviction == | ||
In July 2009, Waters and political consultant [[Sam Riddle]] were indicted by a federal grand jury in a corruption probe that revealed multiple alleged pay-to-play schemes. The investigation was part of a broader federal probe into corruption in Detroit politics that would eventually lead to dozens of convictions. | In July 2009, Waters and political consultant [[Sam Riddle]] were indicted by a federal grand jury in a corruption probe that revealed multiple alleged pay-to-play schemes. The investigation was part of a broader federal probe into corruption in Detroit politics that would eventually lead to dozens of convictions.<ref name=":0">"Detroit political consultant Sam Riddle and former state lawmaker indicted in public corruption investigation" Associated Press, July 15, 2009</ref> | ||
The indictment detailed a scheme involving a Detroit jewelry store's relocation to Southfield. According to federal prosecutors, Waters and Riddle conspired to give approximately $12,500 to Southfield Councilman William Lattimore to help secure approval for the relocation. As part of this scheme: | The indictment detailed a scheme involving a Detroit jewelry store's relocation to Southfield. According to federal prosecutors, Waters and Riddle conspired to give approximately $12,500 to Southfield Councilman William Lattimore to help secure approval for the relocation. As part of this scheme: | ||
* Riddle allegedly received about $45,000 from the store's owner | |||
* Riddle was given a Breitling watch valued at $5,500 | |||
* Waters received a Rolex watch worth $6,000 | |||
* Lattimore was charged with accepting the $12,500 bribe<ref>"Court upholds convictions of prominent Detroit political consultant" Michigan Public Radio, November 23, 2011</ref> | |||
Waters' relationship with Riddle complicated the case, as they were both romantic partners and political associates during the period of the crimes. Riddle eventually pleaded guilty to bribery and tax charges in November 2010, in what he described as a deal to keep Waters out of prison.<ref>"Detroit's dastardly political duo is back — but heading in different directions" Detroit Free Press, May 22, 2022</ref> | |||
The federal investigation included extensive wiretap evidence. Among the recorded conversations were discussions about various deals and payoffs.<ref>"With bribery trial approaching, Mary Waters files to run for Michigan Senate" Associated Press, May 12, 2010</ref> These recordings became crucial evidence in the broader federal investigation that also involved other prominent Detroit political figures, including Monica Conyers, who pleaded guilty to accepting bribes in a separate but related case.<ref name=":0" /> | |||
Waters later attempted to retract her guilty plea to corruption charges.<ref>"Court upholds convictions of prominent Detroit political consultant" Michigan Public Radio, November 23, 2011</ref> | |||
Despite these legal troubles, Waters continued to pursue political office. She was ultimately restricted from holding certain offices due to Michigan law banning public officials convicted of using their position to commit crimes from holding local or state office for 20 years.<ref>"Michigan anti-property-tax group seeks to get on 2024 state ballot" Bridge Michigan, November 28, 2023</ref> | |||
Despite these legal troubles, Waters continued to pursue political office. She was ultimately restricted from holding certain offices due to Michigan law banning public officials convicted of using their position to commit crimes from holding local or state office for 20 years. | |||
Revision as of 21:44, 15 February 2025
Federal Bribery Conviction
In July 2009, Waters and political consultant Sam Riddle were indicted by a federal grand jury in a corruption probe that revealed multiple alleged pay-to-play schemes. The investigation was part of a broader federal probe into corruption in Detroit politics that would eventually lead to dozens of convictions.[1]
The indictment detailed a scheme involving a Detroit jewelry store's relocation to Southfield. According to federal prosecutors, Waters and Riddle conspired to give approximately $12,500 to Southfield Councilman William Lattimore to help secure approval for the relocation. As part of this scheme:
- Riddle allegedly received about $45,000 from the store's owner
- Riddle was given a Breitling watch valued at $5,500
- Waters received a Rolex watch worth $6,000
- Lattimore was charged with accepting the $12,500 bribe[2]
Waters' relationship with Riddle complicated the case, as they were both romantic partners and political associates during the period of the crimes. Riddle eventually pleaded guilty to bribery and tax charges in November 2010, in what he described as a deal to keep Waters out of prison.[3]
The federal investigation included extensive wiretap evidence. Among the recorded conversations were discussions about various deals and payoffs.[4] These recordings became crucial evidence in the broader federal investigation that also involved other prominent Detroit political figures, including Monica Conyers, who pleaded guilty to accepting bribes in a separate but related case.[1]
Waters later attempted to retract her guilty plea to corruption charges.[5]
Despite these legal troubles, Waters continued to pursue political office. She was ultimately restricted from holding certain offices due to Michigan law banning public officials convicted of using their position to commit crimes from holding local or state office for 20 years.[6]
- ↑ 1.0 1.1 "Detroit political consultant Sam Riddle and former state lawmaker indicted in public corruption investigation" Associated Press, July 15, 2009
- ↑ "Court upholds convictions of prominent Detroit political consultant" Michigan Public Radio, November 23, 2011
- ↑ "Detroit's dastardly political duo is back — but heading in different directions" Detroit Free Press, May 22, 2022
- ↑ "With bribery trial approaching, Mary Waters files to run for Michigan Senate" Associated Press, May 12, 2010
- ↑ "Court upholds convictions of prominent Detroit political consultant" Michigan Public Radio, November 23, 2011
- ↑ "Michigan anti-property-tax group seeks to get on 2024 state ballot" Bridge Michigan, November 28, 2023