Appeals Court Revives Criminal Case In Wayne County Jail Mess

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - The Michigan appeals court says prosecutors should be given a second chance to pursue charges against a lawyer in a failed jail project in Wayne County.

A judge last year dismissed charges of misconduct and willful neglect of duty against Steven Collins, who works for the county. But the appeals court says prosecutors should be allowed to file additional details that could support the neglect charge.

The unfinished 2,000-bed jail is an eyesore in Detroit, across from the county courthouse. Construction stopped three years ago because the project was wildly over budget, with cost overruns totaling more than $90 million.

Prosecutors say Collins knew about cost overruns but never informed county commissioners or others. His attorney says Collins' job description didn't include reporting to commissioners.

Former county chief financial officer Carla Sledge also is charged.

Meantime, plans for the land remain in flux after billionaire businessman Dan Gilbert offered to buy it but was turned down. Gilbert said he wants to build a professional soccer stadium — even releasing detailed renderings.

Wayne County Executive Warren Evans said it's his hope to complete the jail, but that nothing is off the table if the price is right.  "I can't cost the taxpayers any more money," he added.

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