Southfield City Councilman William Lattimore Pleads Guilty to Accepting a Bribe From Samuel L. Riddle, Jr. and Mary Waters

William Lattimore, a member of the Southfield City Council, pleaded guilty today to accepting a bribe from Samuel L. Riddle, Jr. and Mary Waters in connection with Lattimore’s official acts on the City Council concerning the approval of the relocation of a pawn shop in Southfield, United States Attorney Terrence Berg announced today.

During a hearing this morning before United States District Judge Marianne Battani, Lattimore admitted that he had accepted a $7,500 bribe from Riddle and Waters on or about August 1, 2007. Riddle had been hired as a consultant by the owner of the pawn shop. On May 5, 2008, during a Southfield City Council meeting, Lattimore advocated and voted for the relocation of the pawn shop as a result of the bribe paid by Riddle and Waters. Previously, Lattimore had issued letters on City of Southfield letterhead supporting the relocation soon after bribes were paid by Riddle and Waters. As part of his Plea Agreement, Lattimore has agreed to provide truthful testimony concerning his receipt of a bribe from Riddle and Waters.

Based on his guilty plea and conviction for bribery, Lattimore is facing a maximum of ten years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000. Based on calculations under the United States Sentencing Guidelines included in the Plea Agreement, Lattimore is facing a sentencing guideline range of between 24 and 30 months in prison.

Berg was joined in the announcement by FBI Special Agent in Charge Andrew Arena.

United States Attorney Berg said, “Today's plea of guilty to bribery by a Southfield City Councilman should be further evidence that the use of cash as an instrument to influence votes and win political favors by so-called 'consultants' is nothing but old fashioned corruption. We will continue to root out such graft in order to ensure that the citizens of this district receive honest representation by their elected officials."

Andrew Arena, Special Agent in Charge, Federal Bureau of Investigation said, “The public has a right to expect honest services from its elected officials, however that trust has been abused. Public corruption is a top criminal priority of the FBI. This investigation demonstrates the FBI's commitment in investigating public corruption and bring those who betray the public's trust to justice.

The case was investigated by agents of the FBI. It is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorneys Robert Cares, David A. Gardey, and Rita Foley.