Michigan Criminal Lawyers Blog
Everett Seay, a 61-year-old former Pontiac city councilman, was recently charged with several counts including those for drug related offenses, bribery, conspiracy to commit bribery and aiding and abetting. Seay was still in office when several of these offenses allegedly occurred.
According to news reports, Seay was helping an alleged drug dealer set up a money-laundering business by pocketing money for what ultimately turned out to be a fake shipment of cocaine. Seay reportedly pocketed about $40,000 in bribes. As it turns out, the individual Seay thought to be a drug dealer was an undercover FBI agent who identified himself to Seay as “J.B.”
Two other men were also charged in the indictment. Roscoe Johnson, one of Seay’s associates from Detroit, and Richard Clanagan, Seay’s political advisor and friend, were charged. News reports allege that Clanagan, 69, and Johnson, 45, helped Seay in the process of soliciting and accepting money from a businessman who they believed was interested in devising a money-handling operation in Pontiac.
In the course of conversations, Seay learned that the businessman (FBI agent) was a drug dealer, and that “J.B.” desired to launder his drug proceeds by establishing a business in Pontiac, according to court documents. Seay helped the businessman in transporting 16 kilograms of what the government purported to be “fake” cocaine, although at the time Seay believed it to be authentic. He received $15,000 for helping in the transport of the shipment, and about $25,000 for getting the Pontiac business approved by the City Council.
Seay now faces a possible life sentence if convicted on drug charges, along with fines of as much as $250,000 and 10 years in prison on bribery charges.
Money laundering, bribery and drug offenses are serious charges that impact an individual’s life in a very negative way if convicted. If you have been charged with any type of criminal offense or even suspect you are being investigated, it is critical that you consult with an aggressive Michigan criminal defense lawyer right away for strong and effective legal representation.