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CEO Bribed for City Deals
A former CEO of a Detroit-based technology company has admitted to bribing a city official to secure contracts and benefits for his company. Parimal D. Mehta, 54, of Northville, Michigan, pleaded guilty to one count of federal program bribery before U.S. District Judge Robert H. Cleland of the Eastern District of Michigan.
According to admissions made in connection with his plea, Mehta hand-delivered more than $6,500 to Charles L. Dodd, the former Director of Detroit’s Office of Departmental Technology Services, from 2009 through August 2016. The bribes included two cash bribes paid in the restroom of a Detroit-area restaurant in 2016.
Mehta, who served as the CEO of FutureNet Group Inc., sought preferential treatment for his company in exchange for the bribes. He asked Dodd to cause FutureNet to be selected to fill open positions for contract personnel and to implement particular technological projects in various city departments.
Mehta also asked Dodd to supply him with confidential information regarding Detroit’s internal operations, including information regarding Detroit’s internal budgets for particular technology projects and personnel. This information would have benefited FutureNet in its dealings with the city.
The FBI’s Detroit Division investigated the case, and trial attorneys Robert J. Heberle and James I. Pearce of the Criminal Division’s Public Integrity Section are prosecuting the case.
Mehta’s sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 27. Dodd, the city official who received the bribes, previously pleaded guilty to bribery on Sept. 27, 2016.
The guilty plea highlights the corrupt practices that can occur when public officials are bribed for personal gain. It also underscores the importance of holding individuals accountable for their actions, even when they hold positions of power.
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Key Facts
- State: Michigan
- Category: Public Corruption
- Source: DOJ Press Release â†â€â€
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