GRIMY TIMES EXCLUSIVE: Michigan State Senator Bertram Johnson, Jr., has entered a guilty plea to conspiracy and theft charges. The 44-year-old senator from Highland Park faces up to ten years in prison for his fraudulent actions.
Court records reveal that Johnson conspired to steal monies from the state of Michigan between March 2014 and January 2015. He borrowed thousands of dollars in cash, later placing a ‘ghost employee’ on the public payroll to pay off this debt. This ghost employee was paid over $23,000, all with taxpayer money.
United States Attorney Matthew Schneider echoed sentiments of public outrage, stating, ‘Public officials cannot treat the people’s money as their own. The defendant treated taxpayer money as his own, to repay his personal debt. Such an abuse of power will not be tolerated.’
The investigation was a joint effort by the FBI and IRS-CI, with Schneider emphasizing the commitment to hold public officials accountable for criminal conduct at taxpayers’ expense.
Special Agent in Charge Manny Muriel from IRS Criminal Investigation highlighted Johnson’s betrayal of trust, stating, ‘The senator made a conscious decision to violate the trust and confidence of his constituents.’ The case underscores the dedication of law enforcement to pursue those who steal from the nation’s taxpayers.
Scheduled for sentencing on August 7, 2018, this case serves as a stark reminder of the consequences for political corruption and financial misdeeds.
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Key Facts
- State: Michigan
- Agency: DOJ USAO
- Category: Public Corruption|Fraud & Financial Crimes
- Source: Official Source ↗
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