Records: Johnson aide linked to EAA kickbacks made $24K
The FBI search State Sen. Bert Johnson's Highland Park home Monday morning, March 27, 2017.
The FBI and Michigan State Police also conducted searches at Johnson's Lansing officer. Johnson, D-Highland Park, has served in the Senate since 2010.
LANSING, MI -- FBI raids of State Sen. Bert Johnson's home and office appear to be related to one of Johnson's former employees, his attorney said Thursday morning.
Attorney Cyril Hall said it is his understanding that the FBI investigation is related to Glynis Thornton, a contractor with Detroit's Education Achievement Authority who was indicted of a felony charge of conspiracy to commit federal program bribery.
According to capitol newsletter Michigan Information and Research Service, Thornton is potentially a "ghost employee" who had loaned Johnson money. Hall did not comment on those allegations, only saying he believes the investigation is related to Thornton. Johnson has not been charged with a crime.
The FBI and Michigan State Police have declined to comment on the reason for Monday search of Johnson's Highland Park home and Lansing Senate office.
LANSING, MI — The FBI and Michigan State Police are conducting searches at State Sen. Bert Johnson's Lansing office and Highland Park home, the Michigan State Police confirmed on Monday. Johnson, D-Highland Park, who has served in the Senate since 2010, could not be reached for comment Monday morning. Access to his office in the Connie B. Binsfeld Office Building, where...
Thornton was expected to be sentenced last month on the felony charge, but the hearing was delayed. According to the U.S. Attorney's Office, Thornton ran a tutoring company called Making A Difference Everyday. EAA Denby High School Principal Kenyetta Wilbourn Snapp selected the company as a vendor and Thornton gave her $58,000 in kickbacks.
20-month prison term recommended for principal who took over $55,000 in bribes
20-month prison term recommended for principal who took over $55,000 in bribes
The federal government recommends a former Detroit principal who admitted to accepting over $60,000 in bribes spend 20 months in federal prison.
According to information provided to MLive by the Senate Business Office, Thornton was employed by Johnson's office as a "community liaison" from March 28, 2014 to Jan. 2, 2015. She made $20 per hour.
All Democratic members receive an annual $117,100 staff budget and two staff benefit packages, according to information provided by a Senate spokeswoman.
Johnson told reporters on Tuesday he was disappointed by the searches and concerned for his family.
He says he's an "open book," but is still trying to figure out what authorities were looking for.
It's possible the searches aren't over, as the Senate has received a notice of intent that the FBI may search Johnson's storage space located in the Boji Tower in Lansing.
Voting is beautiful, be beautiful ~ vote.©
No comments:
Post a Comment