Detroit Library Official Says FBI Raid Over Contracts
DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - The president of the Detroit Library Commission says the FBI is investigating possible fraud in the awarding of technology contracts.
Agents raided the Detroit Public Library's main office Tuesday and removed files and computer equipment before the doors opened to the public.
The FBI won't comment, but Jonathan Kinloch says agents appear to be interested in contracts to two technology firms for at least $2 million to update the computer system.
Kinloch says an administrator may have awarded the contracts for personal gain. He says the raid had nothing to do with $1,000 trash cans that were purchased during a renovation in 2010.
Nonetheless, Kinloch says that purchase, along with $1,000 chairs, is a good reason for a "total review" of library management. He told the Detroit Free Press that allegations of contract fraud have been a longstanding issue at the library, and that the FBI raid was long overdue.
"These issues were lingering for so long that it was most appropriate for external agencies to take notice of what was going on," Kinloch said.
The Library Commission is scheduled to meet at 1:30 p.m. Wednesday.
MORE: FBI Raids Detroit Public Library Offices
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