Muskegon Heights officials moved quickly Monday to stabilize city government after an FBI raid shut down City Hall last week, appointing a police chief as interim city manager and placing the fire chief who held that role on paid administrative leave.
The shakeup came four days after Michigan State Police, the FBI, DEA, and IRS executed multiple search warrants across Muskegon County on July 23 in what Prosecutor D.J. Hilson described as “an active financial and drug crime investigation.” City Hall reopened Monday with staff back at their desks, but the council meeting that followed laid bare tensions between residents demanding answers and a mayor who refused to provide them.
Search Warrant Details Emerge
A three-page search warrant obtained by MLive/Muskegon Chronicle shows investigators sought evidence of misconduct in office, failure to file Michigan income tax returns, possession of narcotics, prohibited contracts involving public officials, and embezzlement by a public officer. The breadth of the warrant signals that federal and state authorities are examining both financial records and potential drug-related activity tied to public officials.
Fire Chief Shawn Roberson, who had also been serving as city manager, was placed on administrative leave Friday as the investigation continued. The council formally approved his paid leave Monday night and named Deputy Fire Chief Fonte Love as interim fire chief. Police Chief Maurice Sain was appointed interim city manager, consolidating public safety leadership at the top of city government during the probe.
Mayor Shuts Down Discussion of the Raid
Mayor Bonnie McGlothin opened Monday’s meeting by declaring the council would not discuss the raid. “We will not be discussing any of the events that have happened over the past week because all of the information that we have has already been done in the PSA,” McGlothin said, referring to earlier statements from the city attorney. “We won’t, we can’t speak on it. We have nothing more to give you.”
After the meeting, McGlothin told reporters she could not comment because the investigation is ongoing and added that, because it involves the city she governs, she is not privy to what is being investigated. “Whatever they’re looking for, I’m not a part of, so I really don’t know,” she said.
Residents Push Back on Council Dysfunction
The two-hour meeting featured disagreements and bickering among councilmembers that drew sharp rebukes from residents. At one point, a resident walked out, saying, “They playing too much.”
Jerry Sullivan, who has lived in Muskegon Heights for 18 months, told the council their disorganization would reflect poorly on the community. “There was a couple different things, agenda items, where we couldn’t quite make a cohesive decision, which, given the nature of things going on… unfortunately, it’s going to reflect poorly on us as a community and us as a city,” Sullivan said.
Sullivan said he works to counter the city’s negative reputation with positive experiences. “There’s tremendous potential here,” he said. “It’s just unfortunate and frustrating sometimes because at the end of the day, too, our city does have a reputation. And whether or not it’s a fair reputation for us to have, it’s there.”
Precious Henderson urged the council to pursue team-building exercises. “All of the petty bickering amongst you guys, it doesn’t reflect well on any of us and it’s quite embarrassing,” Henderson said. “If the council can’t come together, how do you expect for the community to be together?”
What Happens Next
Muskegon Heights leaders face a pivotal week. A special meeting is scheduled for 5:30 p.m. Thursday, July 30 at City Hall, 2724 Peck Street, where the council is expected to discuss a proposed Operational and Administrative Health Plan drafted by Councilman Andre Williams. “The events were very unprecedented, and I think our citizens need to know that they have trust and stability in leadership, that we are coming together to meet and to discuss a plan moving forward,” Williams said.
Mayor Pro Tem Kellie Kitchen sought to reassure residents that city leaders are taking the situation seriously. “We are going to use this as an opportunity to make necessary improvements and move forward as a city,” Kitchen said. The outcome of the federal investigation remains unclear, but the speed of the interim appointments and Thursday’s planned governance discussion suggest the council recognizes that restoring public trust will require more than silence.
— Noah Williams, local desk, AXO News