New Multi-Agency Public Corruption Task Force Formed

FBI Special Agent in Charge Andrew G. Arena is joined by U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade, Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette, IRS-CID Special Agent in Charge Erick Martinez, HUD-OIG Special Agent in Charge Breck Nowlin, EPA-CID Special Agent in Charge Randall Ashe, DOT-OIG Special Agent in Charge Michelle T. McVicker, Michigan State Police Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue, and Detroit Police Chief Ralph L. Godbee, Jr. in announcing the formation of a new task force targeting public corruption.

The FBI is joining forces with these numerous local, state, and federal agencies working to combat public corruption throughout the Detroit Division. With assistance and cooperation of these partners, the task force is rooted in its mission to end public corruption in our area.

Public corruption is currently the highest criminal priority within the FBI Detroit Division. The dedication, hard work, and collaboration of all those involved has already resulted in countless violations exposed. The focus of the task force will continue to be on corruption at all levels of local, state, and federal government.

In reference to the formation of this new multi-agency task force FBI Special Agent in Charge Andrew G. Arena states, “Public servants are entrusted by all of us to act in the best interests of society. Those who betray that trust must be brought to justice and such actions cannot be tolerated. This task force will leverage the best assets of the partners to better focus on the problem.”

U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade states, “Public corruption robs citizens of the honest government we deserve. Bringing together resources from various agencies helps us to attack this problem wherever it occurs.”

Michigan Attorney General Bill Schuette states, “Public corruption destroys trust in government. Taxpayers work hard for their money and have zero tolerance for those in a position of trust who abuse their authority.”

IRS-CID Special Agent in Charge Erick Martinez states, ”The city of Detroit has been hit hard by public corruption crimes. The individuals who commit these crimes are driven by greed and have no regret for their selfish actions. IRS Criminal Investigation is uniquely qualified to jointly work these investigations. We stand in partnership with the Detroit Public Corruption Task Force in combating this fraud.”

HUD-OIG Special Agent in Charge Breck Nowlin states, “The abuse of public office violates our trust, steals from the very programs designed to protect our cities and neighborhoods and selfishly takes valuable government services from those who need them most. The HUD-OIG stands committed with our law enforcement partners of this task force in combating public corruption and bringing to justice those individuals who would use their position of public trust for personal gain.”

EPA-CID Special Agent in Charge Randall Ashe states, “It is reprehensible that some officials see our nation’s environmental regulations as merely a way to profit personally. Because exposure to asbestos, lead, and hazardous waste can be fatal, our public leaders must ensure that construction work is carried out properly and by the most qualified people and companies, not by those looking to ‘pay to play.’ EPA is encouraged by the level of partnership shown by the local, state, and federal enforcement agencies involved in this task force in addressing all forms of public corruption.”

DOT-OIG Special Agent in Charge Michelle T. McVicker states, “Upholding the public trust as stewards of taxpayer dollars is a top priority of the Secretary of Transportation and the Office of Inspector General. Along with our law enforcement and prosecutorial colleagues, we are committed to preventing, detecting, and prosecuting transportation-related fraud and corruption. The Detroit Public Corruption Task Force will help ensure that those who violate this trust will be held accountable to the fullest extent of the law.”

MSP Col. Kriste Kibbey Etue states, “The investigation of public corruption has always been a priority for the Michigan State Police. This task force will allow all involved agencies to pool resources, expedite investigations, and effectively determine the appropriate avenue to pursue charges at the state or federal level.”

Detroit Police Chief Ralph L. Godbee Jr. states, “Detroit Police Internal Affairs is committed to ensuring the public’s trust in the Detroit Police Department as well as our other local governmental institutions. Our partnership with the other local, state, and federal agencies that comprise the newly created Detroit Public Corruption Task Force demonstrates our renewed commitment to rooting out any and all acts of public corruption and holding accountable any person who violates the trust given to their public office.”