Hamtramck City Manager Suspended Amid Allegations of Corruption and Legal Battles
The city of Hamtramck finds itself embroiled in a legal and political saga as its suspended city manager, Max Garbarino, prepares to file a lawsuit alleging corruption involving the city’s mayor, council members, and police chief. The lawsuit, according to Garbarino’s attorney, will include claims against high-ranking U.S. government officials.
Garbarino, suspended with pay by the Hamtramck City Council, was involved in a heated exchange with Mayor Amer Ghalib during a recent meeting. The tension arose after Garbarino suspended Police Chief Jamiel Altaheri, citing multiple allegations of criminal misconduct against him. The suspension has sparked controversy and added to ongoing investigations into alleged misconduct within the city’s government.
Currently, four sitting and one former council member are under investigation by a state special prosecutor for possible absentee ballot fraud. Additionally, two council members are being investigated by the Michigan State Police for allegedly not residing within city limits as required by the city charter. Despite these investigations, the council recently voted to retain these members while the probe continues.
Hamtramck’s demographic shift has led to a predominantly Muslim city council since 2021, resulting in heightened political dynamics. Police Chief Altaheri, also of Yemeni descent, is part of this leadership change. During the council meeting, Garbarino defended his decision to suspend Altaheri, citing several verified criminal complaints against him.
“These are criminal allegations,” Garbarino stated. “When a police officer is suspected of this, they are put on administrative leave. This is how this works.” He insisted that his actions were within his authority as city manager, emphasizing that his decision did not breach any protocols.
Mayor Ghalib criticized Garbarino for allegedly using the situation to distract from internal issues and for not consulting with the council before suspending Altaheri. “All we’re asking for is a fair, transparent investigation [into Altaheri],” Ghalib said, arguing that Garbarino had not afforded Altaheri the opportunity to defend himself publicly.
Garbarino countered by stating that he had placed the officer involved in making accusations against Altaheri on leave as well. He expressed confusion about the allegations against him, questioning the motive behind the drama, “What do I gain from this? … It’s just insane.”
The council’s decision to suspend Garbarino was unanimous, and he was escorted from the meeting by security personnel. Following this, Garbarino has retained attorney Jonathan Marko, who announced plans for a lawsuit that promises to reveal “serious concerns about illegal, unethical, and corrupt activities” within the city’s police department and government.
Marko described the suspension as retaliation against Garbarino for his actions against Altaheri, claiming the forthcoming allegations will be shocking, likening them to a novel.
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