by
Warren Evans (left) and Eric Sabree
The scandal involving Wayne County Treasurer Eric Sabree is heating up.
Late Wednesday afternoon, Wayne County Executive Warren Evans issued a statement saying he contacted the county prosecutor's office and the Wayne County Ethics Board"
We need to know the full extent of what occurred and can’t rush to judgment, but the media reports were troubling. We’ve made a lot of progress over the past four years in restoring public faith in government and need to ensure this receives proper review.
I trust that throughout, the treasurer will make decisions that are in the best interest of the people of Wayne County.
The Detroit Free Press and News reported that relatives of Wayne County Treasurer Eric Sabree purchased tax-foreclosed real estate, including three houses in Harper Woods, in violation of his office's rules. They then failed to pay tens of thousands of dollars in property taxes until they were delinquent.
The buyers were Sabree’s wife, two sons and a nephew.
A Detroit Free Press editorial Tuesday said Sabree is unfit to serve as treasurer and added:
"A Wayne County resident with property in tax foreclosure shouldn't have to wonder if the county treasurer chose to seize his or her home because the treasurer's relatives wanted to buy it."
In a letter Wednesday to the Wayne County Ethics Board, Evans wrote:
As you are likely aware, recent media reports in the Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News on February 12, 2019, have raised serious concerns regarding the Wayne County Treasurer's policies and the auctioning of foreclosed properties. Based on reported comments from the Treasurer, it appears he failed to adhere to those policies raising questions about the integrity of the process. It appears a serious breach of ethics has occurred and warrants further examination. As such, I forward this matter to the Ethics Board for further examination and review.
Related coverage:
Wayne County Tax Foreclosure Critic: 'It's Not Only About Sabree, It Is a System,' Feb. 14
