An aide to a powerful Detroit Democrat pleaded guilty to corruption charges Tuesday, the Detroit News reports:
[Assistant Executive Michael] Grundy, 41, dressed in a dark pinstriped suit on Tuesday, told U.S. District Judge Denise Page Hood he pocketed kickbacks in October 2011 after wiring $400,000 in county funds to pal Keith Griffin's company. The money was from a county insurance program for the poor.
"There is just too much risk, and Mr. Grundy, quite frankly, is quite tired," Grundy's lawyer, William Swor, told The News about the plea. "He needs to get this behind him."
Grundy, formerly an aide to Democratic Wayne County executive Robert Ficano, faced multiple felony charges alleging he accepted kickbacks while serving as director of Wayne County HealthChoice.
Grundy’s friend Keith Griffin pleaded guilty in May 2012 for his role in taking almost $1.8 million from the county through HealthChoice.
Grundy has agreed to forfeit his Detroit home, $8,000 in cash, a Jeep Wrangler, and a to-be-determined cash judgment.
"The citizens of Wayne County deserve honest services from their public officials. It is particularly offensive when corruption comes from officials entrusted to promote health and welfare. We will continue to prosecute public officials who enrich themselves instead of serve the people," U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade said in a statement.
Grundy will be sentenced on Sept. 16.