Larry Charles Inman, Attempted Extortion, Michigan 2018

Grand Traverse County Representative Larry Charles Inman has been indicted on federal charges of attempted extortion, bribery, and lying to the FBI, accused of trying to sell his vote on the repeal of Michigan’s prevailing wage law in June 2018. The three-count indictment, returned by a federal grand jury and announced by U.S. Attorney Andrew Birge, paints a damning picture of a legislator allegedly using his office for personal financial gain.

Inman, who represents the 104th District in the Michigan House of Representatives, is accused of sending text messages between June 3 and June 5, 2018, to the Michigan Regional Council of Carpenters and Millwrights (MRCCM), soliciting money in exchange for voting “no” on the legislative petition to repeal the prevailing wage law. One message, preserved in the indictment, ends with Inman writing, “we never had this discussion,” suggesting an effort to conceal the exchange. The union did not respond to his overtures.

Despite his alleged attempt to sell his vote, Inman ultimately voted “yes” on June 6, 2018, contributing to the 56 to 53 House vote that repealed the law. The indictment charges him with attempted extortion, alleging he used his official authority to seek money from the union under color of official right. If convicted, he faces up to twenty years in federal prison on this count alone.

The second charge, bribery, stems from the same text messages, with prosecutors alleging Inman corruptly solicited a political campaign contribution worth $5,000 or more in exchange for his vote. That offense carries a maximum penalty of ten years in prison. Federal authorities contend the solicitation was not merely political posturing but a quid pro quo agreement in violation of federal anti-corruption statutes.

Inman is also accused of lying to the FBI during a subsequent investigation. When questioned by an FBI agent about his communications with the union, Inman allegedly denied any such discussions, making false statements under oath. That charge, one of obstruction, carries a maximum sentence of five years in prison.

The case is being investigated by the FBI’s Lansing office. An arraignment date has not yet been set. As with all federal cases, Inman is presumed innocent until proven guilty. The indictment includes redactions for witnesses and uncharged individuals. The government must prove its case beyond a reasonable doubt at trial.

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