Dean Reynolds, Bribery Scheme, Clinton Township MI, 2023

CLINTON TOWNSHIP, MI – Dean Reynolds, 49, a sitting Trustee for Clinton Township, is facing federal charges after being arrested today by the FBI for a brazen bribery scheme. Reynolds allegedly shook down companies seeking municipal contracts, demanding and accepting cash in exchange for his vote and inside information. The feds say the scheme spanned at least a decade.

The arrest, announced by U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade alongside FBI Special Agent in Charge David P. Gelios and Manny J. Muriel of IRS-Criminal Investigation, is just the latest fallout from a sprawling, long-running investigation into systemic corruption plaguing southeast Michigan, particularly Macomb County. Investigators utilized a full arsenal of tactics – wiretaps, undercover operations, surveillance, and financial record subpoenas – to build their case against Reynolds.

According to the criminal complaint, Reynolds raked in between $50,000 and $70,000 from a representative of a company angling for a significant contract with the township. But the greed didn’t stop there. Reynolds also pocketed an additional $17,000 in cash from an undercover FBI agent, all captured on video. In return for the payments, Reynolds didn’t just cast his vote; he allegedly peddled influence, providing intel on how other Trustees were leaning.

“Corruption undermines the very nature of representative government,” McQuade stated bluntly. “Law enforcement is committed to seeking out and prosecuting corrupt public officials in all areas of the Eastern District, including suburban communities.” Gelios echoed the sentiment, emphasizing the FBI’s commitment to public integrity in the Detroit Metropolitan area. “Betrayal of the public trust for personal gain will always be an investigative priority of the FBI and our partners in Michigan.”

The investigation is spearheaded by the FBI Detroit Area Corruption Task Force, a multiagency operation involving the IRS, Michigan State Police, and the Attorney General’s Office. Assistant U.S. Attorneys R. Michael Bullotta and David A. Gardey are prosecuting the case. If convicted of federal program bribery under Title 18, United States Code, Section 666, Reynolds faces up to ten years in federal prison and a potential fine of $250,000.

It’s important to remember that a criminal complaint is merely an accusation, and Reynolds is presumed innocent until proven guilty. He’s scheduled to appear in federal court this afternoon at 1 PM for his initial appearance. The FBI is urging anyone with information about public officials accepting bribes to come forward by contacting the Detroit Division at 313-965-2222. This case serves as a stark reminder that no one – not even elected officials – is above the law.