Former Detroit Deputy Police Chief Pleads Guilty in Corruption Probe
An ex-Detroit deputy police chief hesitated to admit wrongdoing, then pleaded guilty in federal probe of alleged bribes paid to numerous government officials.
Federal officials have gained another conviction in connection with an ongoing investigation into public corruption.
A former Detroit deputy police chief has pleaded guilty to taking a bribe from the owner of a towing business.
Federal investigators have been examining alleged bribes paid to government officials, primarily some in Macomb County.
Last month Detroit towing company magnate Gasper Fiore pleaded guilty to making such a bribe.
Now the investigation has swept up former Detroit Deputy Police Chief Celia Washington.
She pleaded guilty to taking $3,000 from Fiore.
The judge in the case hesitated before accepting the plea, saying Washington had not admitted any guilt in the case because she argued she thought the money was a loan and did nothing to help Fiore in exchange.
After a brief court recess Washington returned and read a statement admitting that she took money from the towing company owner and quickly realized he was trying to influence her with the payment.
The judge then accepted the plea.
Washington reportedly faces as many as 24 months in prison.
