DETROIT, MI – Mayor Patrick Wimberly of the City of Inkster faces federal bribery charges for accepting monthly cash payments to ensure the sale of city-owned property, announced United States Attorney Dawn N. Ison.
According to the indictment, Wimberly, 49, demanded cash payments from an outside party, referred to as “Person A,” to facilitate the sale of a city property, “Parcel 1.” The initial monthly bribes began at $5,000, with both parties agreeing to increase the amount over time. When Person A failed to meet Wimberly’s increased expectations, the mayor complained and subsequently received payments of $10,000 per month. In total, Wimberly received $50,000 from Person A to secure the property sale.
Wimberly is charged under 18 U.S.C. § 666, bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds, which carries a maximum penalty of 10 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
“Elected public officials owe a duty to act in the citizens’ best interest. Our office is committed to prosecuting those who betray public trust,” said U.S. Attorney Ison.
Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Detroit Field Office, also weighed in, stating the FBI considers public corruption its main criminal investigative priority and will continue its investigations to uphold public trust.