DETROIT – A former Detroit police detective has been charged with bribery in connection with the federal probe into a Detroit corruption scandal.
Acting U.S. Attorney Saima Mohsin on Friday announced that ex-Detroit police detective Michael Pacteles, 44, is accused of accepting bribes from a towing company operator during his time with the department. A criminal complaint against Pacteles alleges that the Southfield man agreed to provide favors for the towing company operator in return for bribes, including a vehicle and $3,200.
“For instance, instead of properly recovering stolen vehicles from the towing company operator’s possession, Pacteles removed them from the DPD database that showed they were stolen,” a press release from the Department of Justice reads Friday. “Pacteles also agreed to provide the towing company operator with information about vehicles from the Michigan Law Enforcement Information Network (or LEIN), a restricted law enforcement database.”
Officials say Pacteles resigned from the Detroit Police Department in 2020.
Pacteles, who is now a police officer with the Hamtramck Police Department, was charged Tuesday with bribery. The charge carries a sentence of up to 10 years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.
The man is the fifth person to be charged in connection with a federal probe called “Operation Northern Hook,” which is an investigation into bribery and extortion within Detroit City Hall and the city’s towing operations.
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“I am disappointed with these allegations but fully supportive of this investigation. I would like to emphasize, that the alleged actions of one former officers does not represent the vast majority of the exceptional men and women of the Detroit Police Department who go above and beyond the call of duty for our community each and every day. We will continue to fully cooperate with our federal partners to ensure that Detroit Police Department employees involved with alleged corruption and misconduct are held accountable for their actions. The Detroit Police Department takes pride in our transparency and aspire to achieve high standards of service and accountability and recognize that these alleged actions fall far short of those goals.”
James White, Chief of Detroit police
Former city councilman Andre Spivey, 47, plead guilty to bribery charges in September. He admitted to conspiring with a member of his staff to commit bribery by accepting more than $35,000 in bribe payments in connection with city council’s oversight of towing in Detroit.
Two police officers have also been charged. Lt. John F. Kennedy, 56, of Rochester Hills, was serving as the supervisor in command of the department’s integrity unit when officials said he conspired with Officer Daniel S. Vickers, 54, of Livonia, to commit bribery. Kennedy held the position from 2017 to March 2018 at the Seventh Precinct.
“The vast majority of police officers are hardworking dedicated public servants,” Mohsin said in a statement Friday. “Our office is committed to prosecuting those officers who cast a stain on these officers and who betray the public trust by accepting bribes. Today’s criminal complaint shows our office’s commitment to that goal.”
Related: Detroit police chief calls for sweeping changes amid ongoing towing scandal
The investigation is ongoing.
The Hamtramck Police Department said Friday afternoon the Pacteles was fired from the force after the charges were brought against him. Officials say the department was not aware of his alleged criminal activities.
“On today’s date, a probationary Hamtramck Police Officer was terminated upon his arrest and subsequent federal charges. His alleged criminal activities were not known to the City of Hamtramck at the time he was hired and did not occur in connection with his duties related to the Hamtramck Police Department. Upon learning of the charges, the City took immediate disciplinary action that resulted in his termination from the department. The department cooperated with federal authorities to assist in his apprehension which occurred without incident.
“While the person involved is entitled to a presumption of innocence, the City of Hamtramck has zero tolerance when it comes to the type of allegations made in court today. These allegations in no way reflect upon the other members of the Hamtramck Police Department who work very hard under difficult circumstances to keep our residents and visitors safe.
“The City of Hamtramck wishes to thank the FBI for bringing this matter to its attention. We will continue to fully cooperate with all investigations to ensure that those involved with any alleged misconduct or corruption are held accountable for their actions.”
Hamtramck Police Department
You can read the entire criminal complaint against Pacteles below.
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