Inkster Mayor Patrick Wimberly Indicted in $50,000 Bribery Scandal Ahead of Mayoral Election

Incumbent Inkster Mayor Patrick Wimberly has been indicted in a federal corruption case that alleges he accepted $50,000 in bribes from an individual seeking a political favor related to the purchase of city-owned property. The indictment claims that Mayor Wimberly told the prospective land buyer that he could facilitate the transaction for $100,000.

Key details from the indictment include:

• The suspect deal between the mayor and the prospective land buyer involved multiple meetings over the past year, during which Wimberly accepted money at his residence and in his car.
• On one occasion, Wimberly allegedly stuffed $10,000 in cash into his car’s center console while discussing the scheme with the buyer.
• The indictment refers to the alleged bribe payer as “Person A.”

This indictment comes shortly before the upcoming mayoral election in which Mayor Wimberly is seeking re-election. He is facing former Inkster Mayor Byron Nolen in the election, scheduled for November 7.

Mayor Wimberly could not be reached for comment, but he had previously stated that he anticipated these charges and would refrain from commenting until he had seen the full details of the accusations.

The federal government’s accusations against Mayor Wimberly involve demanding $100,000 from a prospective buyer to facilitate the purchase of city-owned property. The indictment outlines a series of cash payments made to Wimberly and suggests that he assured the buyer of his ability to influence the City Council’s vote on the property sale.

If convicted, Wimberly could face up to 10 years in prison and a maximum fine of $250,000. U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison emphasized the commitment to prosecute public officials who betray the public trust by accepting bribes. The FBI is actively investigating public corruption cases to maintain public trust in elected officials.