Grand Jury to Probe Detroit Councilman Gabe Leland

[Lowell]

Innocent until proved guilty, yes, but it has been a while since we have had any Clowncil hijinks...

"A federal grand jury has been impaneled to investigate claims that Detroit City Councilman Gabe Leland allegedly extorted thousands of dollars in free alcohol, food and other items in exchange for political promises from a shuttered downtown bar, according to a subpoena obtained by the Free Press.

"The subpoena was issued Aug. 8 by Assistant U.S. Attorney R. Michael Bullotta and sought all documentation related to Leland possibly obtaining:

• Free entry into parties or events
• Free alcoholic or non-alcoholic drinks
• Free food, including entrees, appetizers and desserts
• Any other items of value provided free of charge or at a discounted price

"The probe is the latest twist in a lengthy legal battle that began in November 2016 when the co-owners of the former Centre Park Bar, 1407 Randolph, first filed a lawsuit against Mayor Mike Duggan and other city officials. Leland has not been charged with any crime.

"The original suit, which is still winding through the court system, claimed police harassment and alleged Dennis Archer Jr., former Mayor Dennis Archer's son, received favorable treatment while buying the building the bar occupied. "

Full Freep article here: https://www.freep.com/story/news/loc...be/1008176002/

[Scottathew]

I can't name any Detroit council members, so that's a pretty good thing! I remember back in the Kilpatrick and Conyers days, I knew of most of them.