DETROIT (WXYZ) — Former Macomb Township Trustee Dino Bucci has pleaded guilty to extortion and theft conspiracies, according to the US Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan.
Bucci had been charged as part of the long running federal investigation into corruption in Macomb County.
Under the plea agreement, Bucci admitted to extorting builders and contractors to purchase hundreds of thousands of dollars' worth of tickets to fundraisers for Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Anthony Marrocco. Marrocco was Bucci's boss at the Department of Public Works.
“Bucci’s guilty pleas today represent a significant milestone in our sweeping corruption investigation in Macomb County. The lengthy prison sentence he faces should be an unambiguous warning to all public officials who consider committing corrupt acts that they will be caught and punished severely,” said US Attorney Matthew Schneider in a news release.
As part of the plea deal, Bucci admitted to the court that the scheme went on for more than two decades.
The plea deal also covers the alleged theft of $96,000 from Macomb Township. Prosecutors say that theft occurred when contractor Chris Sorrentino overcharged for paving work on Township properties, then kicked back tens of thousands of dollars in cash to Bucci.
Under the plea agreement, the 60-year-old Bucci faces 9-10 years in prison. He must also fully reimburse Macomb Township.
