Ex-Pontiac Councilman Charged With Corruption
PONTIAC (WWJ/AP) - An FBI sting operation has led to bribery and drug charges against a former Pontiac City Council member.
Federal authorities say 61-year-old Everett Seay accepted $25,000 from a man who needed city approval to open a money-handling business in Pontiac. The government said Seay was told the shop would be used to launder drug profits.
Seay also is accused of helping transport 35 pounds of what he thought was cocaine for $15,000. The cocaine was fake, and the man who wanted to open a money-handling business actually was an undercover agent. The alleged crimes occurred in 2008 and 2009 when Seay was on the Pontiac council.
Seay was due in court on Monday and could not immediately be reached for comment.
"Public officials who abuse their power to enrich themselves and commit crimes rather than serving the citizens will be brought to justice," said Special Agent in Charge Robert Foley. "The FBI is committed to the relentless pursuit of those who betray
public trust and to ensuring taxpayers have honest government."
If convicted, Seay could face up to 20 years in jail and face fines of more than $1 million.
Richard Clanagan and Roscoe Johnson, both friends of Seay, according to prosecutors, have also been charged in the case.
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