Mary Sheffield
Associations with Individuals Implicated in Public Corruption
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In December 2015, FOX 2 Detroit reported that Chris Jackson, a Detroit developer who had previously admitted under oath to attempting to bribe a city councilwoman, was serving as one of the hosts for Sheffield's second annual "Tis the Season" fundraiser.[1] Jackson, who also held an official position as treasurer of the Detroit Building Authority Commission, had testified in federal court that he paid $25,000 to political consultant Sam Riddle to secure then-councilwoman Monica Conyers' vote.[1] When directly questioned by reporter ML Elrick about this association, Sheffield displayed a dismissive attitude toward Jackson's admitted corruption:
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."[1]
The investigation also revealed that Sheffield had previously been photographed with Rayford Jackson (no relation to Chris Jackson), another individual who had been implicated in attempts to bribe former councilwoman Monica Conyers.[1]
Sam Riddle, a former political consultant who himself served three years in federal prison after pleading guilty in a public corruption case, warned about Sheffield's associations: "As one who wallowed in the cesspool of corruption, I can tell you this, and that is that Mary Sheffield has to be very careful who she surrounds herself with... These guys are very slick, they're slicksters."[1]
Jackson's spokesman claimed that Jackson had hosted fundraisers for many elected officials, including former Detroit City Council President Brenda Jones and councilman Scott Benson, suggesting that Sheffield was not alone in maintaining these controversial political relationships.[1]