Former Detroit City Council President Pro Tem Monica Conyers Sentenced on Charges of Conspiracy to Commit Bribery

Monica Conyers, 45, of Detroit, was sentenced today to 37 months in prison as a result of her guilty plea to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery before United States District Judge Avern Cohn, United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade announced today.

Ms. McQuade was joined in the announcement by Andrew G. Arena, Special Agent In Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Federal Bureau of Investigation and Maurice Aouate, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Field Office of the Internal Revenue Service.

According to court records, Ms. Conyers’ admitted to misusing her office of Detroit City Council President pro tem, and her position as a trustee of the City of Detroit General Retirement System pension, for personal gain. Specifically, according to the records, Ms. Conyers and an aide received payments from persons who sought contracts, money and/or favorable treatment from the City Council or the pension fund.

United States Attorney McQuade said, “Today’s sentence evidences our success in carrying out successful prosecutions that supports one of this offices’ top priorities—public corruption. Public officials who use taxpayer funds for their own personal benefit or gain will be prosecuted by my office to the fullest extent of the law.”

Special Agent Andrew G. Arena said, “The FBI continues to take positive steps in the battle against public corruption in Southeastern Michigan. The recent sentencing illustrates the FBI’s continued focus to aggressively pursue those who betray the public’s trust for personal gain. Public officials and individuals who exploit their connections in the government will be held accountable for their actions.”

Special Agent Maurice Aouate said, “IRS Criminal Investigation's mission in public corruption investigations is to follow the money, identify all the parties involved, and assist in the prosecution of the crooked public officials, along with others who foster their illegal activities.”

Ms. Conyers will be notified by the Bureau of Prisons as to which federal correctional facility she will be placed in and will be allowed to self report to that facility on the date provided by the Bureau.