Criminal charges have been filed against City Manager and Fire Chief Shawnderrick Roberson and three others after federal law enforcement agencies, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the Internal Revenue Service, executed search warrants in Muskegon County on Thursday, July 23.
Roberson, who was placed on leave on July 23 pending the outcome of an administrative review, has also been fired, the Muskegon Heights Mayor Bonnie M. McGlothin announced on Tuesday, Aug. 11.
He is charged with two counts of state tax evasion, according to Michigan court records.
Roberson posted a $10,000 bond on Tuesday and is next scheduled to appear in court on Tuesday, Aug. 25,m at 1:30 p.m.
The Free Press reached out to the Muskegon County Prosecutor
D.J. Hilson on Tuesday, who did not immediately respond for comment.
Police Chief Maurice Sain has been designated to serve as the city's acting city manager, while oversight of the Muskegon Heights Fire Department will be under the leadership of Deputy Fire Chief Fonte Love.
City Council is also expected to convene a special meeting later this week, Muskegon Heights City Attorney Te Smithsaid via email.
The action, city officials say, should not be construed as a determination of wrongdoing.
Additionally, three men were indicted on criminal charges related to alleged drug trafficking and money laundering conspiracies, according to a Tuesday news release from the U.S. Attorney's Office in the Western District of Michigan.
Brian Smith, 54, of Houston, Javon Drevelle Brewer, 58, of Muskegon Heights, and Fletcher Lee Salazar, 40, of Muskegon Heights are all charged with conspiracy to distribute and possess with intent to distribute controlled substances, including 400 grams or more of fentanyl, heroin, and cocaine.
Smith and Brewer are also charged with money laundering. Brewer and Salazar are charged with possession with intent to distribute 400 grams or more of fentanyl and heroin.
If convicted, all men are facing life in prison. Smith faces a mandatory minimum penalty of 15 years while Brewer and Salazar face a minimum penalty of 10 years, officials say.
Assistant U.S. Attorney Dan McGraw is prosecuting the case.
Free Press reporter Tresa Baldas contributed reporting.
Jalen Williams is a trending reporter at the Detroit Free Press. Contact him at jawilliams1@freepress.com.
This article originally appeared on Detroit Free Press: Muskegon Heights city manager fired following charges
