Birmingham Mayor Pro Tem 'civilly' embezzles his law partners

**Lowell** · January-23-14, 11:12 PM

I guess this isn't as big or catchy news as Mr. Cushingberry's recent non-criminal revelations so it appears that a 'civil' embezzlement by a public figure doesn't warrant the same throng of reporters.

A jury [after a 20 minute deliberation] has ordered the mayor pro tem of the Birmingham City Commission to pay $338,235.66 to a law firm he worked for that filed a civil embezzlement lawsuit against him.

Stuart Sherman was sued last year by Troy-based Jacob & Weingarten, P.C., where he was a partner. The firm alleged that Sherman wrote himself a $112,745.22 check without authorization on Dec. 26, 2012 before resigning from the job.

At the conclusion of a civil trial before Oakland County Circuit Judge Michael Warren on Monday, jurors tripled the amount of the check to reach the $300,000-plus in damages awarded to Jacob & Weingarten. The jury also awarded costs and attorney fees.

Sherman has not been charged with any criminal wrongdoing. He serves as mayor pro tem of the Birmingham City Commission.

Full Oakland Press article here >>

This is mildly reminiscent of Art Blackwell writing himself checks from the impoverished Highland Park coffers while serving as unpaid EFM. While Mr. Blackwell was convicted of criminal wrong-doing for helping himself to $264K, he only got probation and like, Mr. Sherman, stuck with restitution.

**RO_Resident** · January-24-14, 08:44 AM

Not to mention that former mayor Seth Chafetz is awaiting trial for selling meth.

**bailey** · January-24-14, 09:12 AM

Originally Posted by Lowell

I guess this isn't as big or catchy news as Mr. Cushingberry's recent non-criminal revelations so it appears that a 'civil' embezzlement by a public figure doesn't warrant the same throng of reporters.

Full Oakland Press article here >>

This is mildly reminiscent of Art Blackwell writing himself checks from the impoverished Highland Park coffers while serving as unpaid EFM. While Mr. Blackwell was convicted of criminal wrong-doing for helping himself to $264K, he only got probation and like, Mr. Sherman, stuck with restitution.

I really hope you're not suggesting that the goings on in podunk birmingham should share equal air time with the running of Michigans most populous city during the most dire period of it's existance.

**Hermod** · January-24-14, 09:17 AM

As noted, this wasn't a criminal case. Mr. Sherman and the law firm has a dispute over monies owed. Mr. Sherman lost in a civil trial and will have to pay.

Hardly in the same league as helping yourself to gummint money.