HAMTRAMCK, Mich. – A series of investigations has thrust the city of Hamtramck into the spotlight, with allegations ranging from election fraud to a presidential pardon scheme, culminating in a lawsuit filed against the mayor, suspended police chief, and all six city council members.
The lawsuit, filed Monday (June 2) by City Manager Max Garbarino and police officer David Adamczyk, alleges widespread corruption and retaliation against whistleblowers.
Both officials are currently on administrative leave.
On Wednesday, June 4, 2025, Local 4 spoke to Altaheri over the phone for the first time since the allegations surfaced.
“I know myself. I am innocent. This is literally fabricated,” he told reporter Lauren Kostiuk over the phone.
When asked about the allegations, he said, “They are false. They are all false.”
He went on to say that he believed the lawsuit was planned and called on the Wayne County Sheriff’s Office, the Michigan State Police, and the FBI to investigate.
Timeline of Controversy:
March 2025 – Election Fraud Investigation
In March, Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel issued a petition for a special prosecutor to investigate election crimes involving four Hamtramck city council members and a former city council member.
The probe follows the city clerk’s discovery of repeated irregularities with absentee ballots, including identical handwriting on ballot envelopes and large bundles deposited at one time.
On Wednesday, the attorney general’s office stated that the investigation is still ongoing and was transferred to the Monroe County Prosecutor’s Office on May 21.
April 2025 – Councilmember Residency Investigation
In April, Michigan State Police said they launched an investigation into two Hamtramck councilmen over whether they lied about their residency.
The councilmen, Muhith Mahmood and Abu Musa, strongly denied the allegations.
On May 13, the Hamtramck City Council voted against removing the two members, citing insufficient proof.
On Wednesday, the Michigan State Police stated that the investigation is still ongoing.
May 21 – Police Chief Suspended
The suspension followed a whistle-blower email detailing the allegations, which were subsequently reported to the Michigan State Police and the FBI.
May 27 – City Manager Suspended
Hamtramck’s city manager was placed on administrative leave during a tense city council meeting to discuss the suspension of the police chief.
Prior to his suspension, Garbarino sent a letter to the mayor and city council members responding to the proposed disciplinary actions.
“It is imperative to note that my actions were not only within the bounds of my Charter authority but also aligned with my obligations under state and federal laws concerning the reporting of misconduct,” Garbarino stated in the letter.
June 2 – Lawsuit filed by City Manager, Officer
Suspended Hamtramck City Manager Garbarino and police officer David Adamczyk filed a lawsuit Monday against city officials, alleging widespread corruption, election fraud, and retaliation for exposing misconduct.
The 72-page lawsuit names Mayor Amer Ghalib, police Chief Altaheri, and six city council members as defendants, claiming violations of whistleblower protection laws and civil rights statutes.
June 3 – Independent Investigation
On Tuesday, Local 4 received a text statement from Hamtramck Mayor Ghalib.
“The case is in legal counsel and a non-bias third-party investigation is about to be underway.
We made sure all parties included in this investigation are out of City Hall on paid administrative leave, to ensure impartiality and to avoid bias.
Anyone can say anything and sue for anything at this time, but the truth will be revealed soon and it will dominate the noise.
Whoever is clear will be reinstated to his job, and whoever is guilty will face the consequences.
Our job is to ensure fair and transparent non-bias investigation, and then we will take actions based on the outcomes."
Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib
A Hamtramck City Council meeting is set for June 10.
Three council seats and the mayor’s position are also on the ballot for the upcoming election.
