Former Ecorse Mayor Sentenced on Bribery Charge

Herbert Worthy, the former mayor of the City of Ecorse, was sentenced today to 18 months in federal prison after having pleaded guilty last year to a charge of conspiracy to commit bribery in connection with a federal investigation into corruption in the City of Ecorse, announced United States Attorney Barbara L. McQuade.

United States Attorney McQuade was joined in the announcement by Andrew G. Arena, Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.

Worthy admitted in his written plea agreement that, beginning in November of 2007, and continuing through December 2008, he accepted multiple cash bribes in return for using his official position to ensure that Michigan Municipal Services (MMS), a company owned by co-defendants Stacey Tarockoff and Sheldon Divers, would be selected, retained, and paid for providing public works services to the City of Ecorse. Between November of 2007 and December of 2008, Michigan Municipal Services billed the City of Ecorse for more than $3.1 million. As part of his plea, Worthy acknowledged that he received more than $30,000 in cash from the owners of MMS.

Mayor Worthy was one of three defendants charged with multiple counts of bribery, fraud, and conspiracy. Co-defendants Tarockoff and Divers have both pleaded guilty to their roles in the bribery conspiracy and are awaiting sentencing. Co-defendant Erwin Hollenquest, the controller of the City of Ecorse, was found guilty on January 21, 2011, with soliciting and accepting a bribe in exchange for public works contracts with Michigan Municipal Services.

United States Attorney McQuade stated, “We will do all we can to make sure that public officials who abuse their positions go to prison.”

“The FBI will aggressively investigate public officials who accept bribes in connection with their office,” stated Special Agent in Charge Andrew G. Arena. “Public corruption investigations are a top priority of the FBI and will not be tolerated. This investigation continues to demonstrate the FBI’s commitment in investigating public corruption and brings those who betray the public’s trust to justice.”

U.S. Attorney McQuade commended the FBI for pursuing this matter expeditiously in order to address serious allegations of corruption and fraud at the highest levels of city government in Ecorse. This case is being prosecuted by Assistant United States Attorney Sheldon N. Light.