A Clinton Township Trustee is facing criminal charges of demanding and taking bribes in exchange for his vote on municipal contracts.
The FBI arrested 49-year-old Dean Reynolds on Thursday, according to United States Attorney Barbara McQuade.
Reynold's arrest was a result of a long-running undercover investigation into corruption in multiple municipalities, primarily Macomb County.
According to the criminal complaint, Reynolds accepted multiple bribes from a representative who worked for a company that was seeking a significant contract with Clinton Township.
The complaint alleges Reynolds accepted between $50,000 to $70,000 in cash from the representative.
Reynolds also reportedly accepted $17,000 from an undercover agent of the FBI with payment being recorded on video.
“Corruption undermines the very nature of representative government, said U.S. Attorney McQuade. “Law enforcement is committed to seeking out and prosecuting corrupt public officials in all areas of the Eastern District, including suburban communities.”
“Today’s arrest should serve as a reminder to the public of the FBI's longstanding record of successful public corruption investigations in the Detroit Metropolitan area”, said, David P. Gelios, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation.
“Betrayal of the public trust for personal gain will always be an investigative priority of the FBI and our partners in Michigan”.
Statement from Clintondale Community News:
“We are saddened and shocked by the news that bribery charges have been filed against Clinton Township Trustee Dean Reynolds. We have requested that Mr. Reynolds immediately step aside from the Clintondale Educational Foundation pending the outcome of this investigation. Additionally, we will be conducting an internal audit of the foundation and reviewing all relevant contracts in which he may have been involved as a precautionary measure. While we are truly saddened by news of these allegations, we will not be distracted from our mission to ensure our students continue receiving a top-notch education through Clintondale Community Schools.”
Greg Green
Superintendent
