Ex-Detroit Schools Administrator Pleads Guilty In $325K Kickback Scheme
DETROIT (WWJ) - A retired Detroit Public Schools administrator has accepted a plea deal in connection with a scheme to enrich herself at the expense of students.
Federal investigators say 61-year-old Clara Flowers signed off on phony orders and took nearly $325,000 in kickbacks from a vendor who never delivered school supplies that were ordered.
WWJ's Jon Hewett reported Flowers was emotional, her voice quivering, as she pleaded guilty Tuesday to both federal bribery and tax evasion charges.
She acknowledged participating in the kickback scheme with local school supplies vendor Norman Shy from 2009 through 2015. Flowers — who worked as a principal before she was promoted to Asst. Superintendent in Specialized Student Services — admitted to accepting checks, gift cards and personal services in the form of home repairs.
Defense attorney Frank Eaman said she's "profoundly sorry."
As part of a deal with prosecutors, Flowers agreed to cooperate with prosecutors in the cases against 13 others, including the 74-year-old Shy, of Franklin, who owns Allstate Sales.
[See a list of all charged in the case]
The total amount of bribes and kickbacks that Shy paid to the 13 school officials was approximately $908,518, according to U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade. In exchange, Shy and his company allegedly received approximately $2.7 million from DPS.
Both felonies carry a maximum of five years in prison. Flowers will be sentenced Sept. 6.
Meantime, Detroit Osborn Collegiate Academy principal Tanya Bowman also pleaded guilty to bribery in federal court on Tuesday. Accused of accepting $12,000 in kickbacks faces 18 to 24 months in prison.
More guilty pleas are expected.
MORE: 14 Face Federal Charges In $2.7 Million Detroit Schools Kickback Scheme
