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FBI taking over financial probe after Detroit Riverfront Conservancy CFO ousted
(CBS DETROIT) – The Federal Bureau of Investigation will now handle the investigation into alleged financial irregularities committed by the Chief Financial Officer of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy.
The investigation was launched after the Honigman law firm presented evidence of financial irregularities by Chief Financial Officer William Smith, according to a statement from Detroit Riverfront Conservancy board president Matt Cullen.
Smith was placed on unpaid leave. The board requested a criminal investigation from the Michigan State Police, but on Tuesday Cullen announced that the MSP said the investigation was too complex, so they turned it over to the FBI.
“At my direction, last week, the Honigman Law Firm brought evidence of financial irregularities committed by the Conservancy’s Chief Financial Officer to the Michigan State Police and requested a criminal investigation,” Cullen said. The State Police informed us that due to the nature and complexity of the situation, they have turned over the investigation to the Federal Bureau of Investigation. We are cooperating with authorities and are determined to do whatever is necessary to get to the bottom of this matter.”
The Conservancy hired Quatrro Business Support Solutions to oversee day-to-day accounting and finance functions.
Cullen also said they will share what happened, how it happened and TNC’s plans for the future as soon as they can.
“As I said last week, the riverfront is a beloved and important community asset, and we are committed to building a vibrant space for all Metro Detroiters to enjoy. The project is moving forward and will be stronger because of from what we learned from the Board-controlled internal review and criminal investigation We owe it to our donors, other key stakeholders, and the entire Detroit community to be transparent and accountable about this situation – and that is exactly what we will be.
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