DETROIT (WJBK) -- A crackdown on corruption hits hard inside a local police department. The feds arrested several Highland Park officers on drug and bribery charges.
Highland Park auxiliary reserve officer Shawn Williams (pictured above) dodged my questions. After less than six months of audio and video surveillance, the FBI says their case is strong enough to lock up Williams and three other Highland Park officers for more than 50 years.
"Just this past Wednesday, the four officers went to Oakland Mall where they assisted in what they believe was a four kilogram shipment of cocaine. Each of those officers on Wednesday was paid either $1,000 or $1,500 by the source for protecting that shipment," said U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade.
Williams, officers Anthony Bynum and Price Montgomery and reserve officer Craig Clayton are accused of taking cash bribes and protecting and delivering drugs -- six kilos of cocaine -- sometimes while wearing their badges.
An FBI transcript of a conversation between Williams and an informant prove Williams knew he was protecting cocaine.
INFORMANT: You know this is big cocaine?"
WILLIAMS: I'm just doing security, man. That's all I know.
INFORMANT: I'm just saying because if you're squeamish...
WILLIAMS: I ain't squeamish at all.
"I want to send a message to any officer out there that would consider straying that you will be discovered, you will be identified, and you will be prosecuted," McQuade said.
Highland Park's police chief was most instrumental in bringing this case to the FBI after several complaints of stolen property and police brutality by Montgomery and Bynum.
Bynum also works for Detroit Public Schools.
The FBI has proof Montgomery and Bynum accepted $10,000 not to appear in court so charges against a criminal would be dropped. They agreed.
"And in a subsequent meeting when they were paying their bribe, the officers suggest to the man that they get involved together in robbing a drug dealer. They presumed that the man was himself a drug dealer and could assist them in robbing a rival drug dealer," said McQuade.
Then Bynum asked the FBI informant for opportunities to make more money.
INFORMANT: What do you charge to lay a [expletive] down?
BYNUM: How many?
INFORMANT: One, would twenty be good?
BYNUM: Yep.
An accused contract killer. $20,000 to take a life.
Despite being accused of taking thousands of dollars in bribes, all four officers asked for a court appointed attorney.
Tuesday, March 12 2013 4:33 PM EDT2013-03-12 20:33:13 GMT
The 75-year-old grandmother charged with open murder in the shooting death of her own grandson could take the stand any day in her own defense, but Tuesday belonged to the prosecution.
The 75-year-old grandmother charged with open murder in the shooting death of her own grandson could take the stand any day in her own defense, but Tuesday belonged to the prosecution.
Sunday, May 19 2013 9:08 PM EDT2013-05-20 01:08:52 GMT
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
It's National Boating Safety Week - a good time to learn about new boating safety regulations. Macomb County Sheriff Anthony Wickersham talked with Fox 2 about what boaters need to know.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 9:12 PM EDT2013-05-16 01:12:58 GMT
There was a last ditch effort Wednesday to save Oakman Elementary and Orthopedic School, a Detroit public school that services a high number of disabled and special needs children.
There was a last ditch effort Wednesday to save Oakman Elementary and Orthopedic School, a Detroit public school that services a high number of disabled and special needs children.
Wednesday, May 15 2013 7:12 PM EDT2013-05-15 23:12:48 GMT
Makayla Lance is only 17 years old and facing death. Tuesday she was shot in the face allegedly by her 18-year-old boyfriend. When police responded to the scene, he was trying to save her life.
Makayla Lance is only 17 years old and facing death. Tuesday she was shot in the face allegedly by her 18-year-old boyfriend. When police responded to the scene, he was trying to save her life.
Thursday, May 9 2013 4:54 PM EDT2013-05-09 20:54:33 GMT
We've all had one of those days. You have a million things on your mind and are moving way too fast. In Southfield, one woman's absent minded moment put her in a tight spot.
We've all had one of those days. You have a million things on your mind and are moving way too fast. In Southfield, one woman's absent minded moment put her in a tight spot.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 9:50 AM EDT2013-05-21 13:50:04 GMT
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing dozens and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Find out how you can help the victims of Monday's deadly tornado that ripped through the Oklahoma City suburbs, killing dozens and flattening neighborhoods, schools and businesses.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:43 AM EDT2013-05-21 11:43:15 GMT
Gustav Nyquist and Drew Miller scored 31 seconds apart midway through a previously scoreless game, helping the Red Wings beat the Blackhawks 3-1 on Monday night for a 2-1 series lead.
Gustav Nyquist and Drew Miller scored 31 seconds apart midway through a previously scoreless game, helping the Red Wings beat the Blackhawks 3-1 on Monday night for a 2-1 series lead.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:35 AM EDT2013-05-21 11:35:00 GMT
Police say a 55-year-old woman is dead and two men are wounded following a shooting at a vacant Detroit residence believed to have been used for drug activity.
Police say a 55-year-old woman is dead and two men are wounded following a shooting at a vacant Detroit residence believed to have been used for drug activity.
Tuesday, May 21 2013 7:23 AM EDT2013-05-21 11:23:29 GMT
Basehunters, a storm chasing team from Norman, Okla., captured over three minutes worth of video showing Monday's deadly monster tornado that roared through the Oklahoma City suburbs.
Basehunters, a storm chasing team from Norman, Okla., captured over three minutes worth of video showing Monday's deadly monster tornado that roared through the Oklahoma City suburbs.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:08 PM EDT2013-05-21 03:08:56 GMT
A small dog was taken from a woman's car on Sunday. Now a woman claims she wasn't trying to steal the dog. She was trying to save its life because it was locked in a car on a hot day.
A small dog was taken from a woman's car on Sunday. Now a woman claims she wasn't trying to steal the dog. She was trying to save its life because it was locked in a car on a hot day.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:03 PM EDT2013-05-21 03:03:59 GMT
Some residents in Clinton Township say they are upset over a horrible smell that seems to be at its peak when temperatures soar. They claim it has been going on for years.
Some residents in Clinton Township say they are upset over a horrible smell that seems to be at its peak when temperatures soar. They claim it has been going on for years.
Monday, May 20 2013 9:54 PM EDT2013-05-21 01:54:16 GMT
Wayne County Circuit Judge Wade McCree is fighting to save his job and his career. Monday, the woman who was once his mistress testified about their numerous sexual encounters.
He once said there was no shame in his game, but now Wayne County Circuit Judge Wade McCree is fighting to save his job and his career. Monday, the woman who was once his mistress testified about their numerous sexual encounters.
WJBK-TV | Fox 2 16550 West Nine Mile Rd. Southfield, MI 48075
Main Station: (248) 557-2000 Newsroom: (248) 552-5103
Credit: Fox 2 News
