Ecorse Mayor Pleads Guilty to Bribery

January 28, 2010 - Herbert Worthy, the Mayor of the City of Ecorse, pleaded guilty today to a charge of conspiracy to commit bribery in connection with a federal investigation into corruption in the City of Ecorse, announced United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade.

United States Attorney McQuade was joined in the announcement by Andrew G. Arena, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

According to the defendant’s written plea agreement, beginning in November of 2007 and continuing through December 2008, Herbert Worthy admitted to accepting multiple cash bribes in return for using his official position to ensure that Michigan Municipal Services (MMS), a company owned by co-defendants Stacey Tarockoff and Sheldon Divers, would be selected, retained, and paid for providing public works services to the City of Ecorse. Between November of 2007 and December of 2008, Michigan Municipal Services billed the City of Ecorse for more than $3.1 million. As part of his plea, Worthy acknowledges that he received more than $30,000 in cash from the owners of MMS.

A sentencing date will be set by the court. Under the terms of the plea agreement, Worthy faces a sentence anywhere from 46 to 57 months and a fine of up to $100,000 plus restitution, as determined by the court.

Mayor Worthy was one of three defendants charged with multiple counts of bribery, fraud, and conspiracy. Co-defendants Tarockoff and Divers have both pleaded guilty for their role in the bribery conspiracy and are awaiting sentencing. Co-defendant Erwin Hollenquest, the Controller of the City of Ecorse, was also charged with accepting cash and a Lexus automobile in return for using his official position to assist Michigan Municipal Services in getting paid in full on its invoices, which contained hundreds of thousands of dollars in false and fraudulent charges. His case is still pending.

United States Attorney McQuade stated, “Today’s conviction marks a decisive turning point in the federal investigation into municipal corruption in the City of Ecorse. For the past several years the citizens of that city have suffered under the leadership of individuals who put their own personal gains above their sworn public duties.”

"The FBI will aggressively investigate public officials who accept bribes in connection with their office," stated Special Agent in Charge Andrew G. Arena. "Public corruption investigations are a top priority of the FBI and will not be tolerated. This investigation continues to demonstrate the FBI's commitment in investigating public corruption and brings those who betray the public's trust to justice."

U.S. Attorney McQuade commended the FBI for pursuing this matter expeditiously in order to address serious allegations of corruption and fraud at the highest levels of city government in Ecorse. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Bruce Judge.