Former Cockrel Aide Pleads Guilty In Synagro Bribery Scam

DETROIT (WWJ) - A former top Detroit City Council aide has pleaded guilty to lying to the FBI. John Clark said he lied to federal agents when he told them he returned $3,000 in cash from an official with Synagro -- a sludge hauling firm that wanted city business.

Before U.S. District Judge Avern Cohn, Clark admitted in federal court that he kept the cash.

Detroit FBI Special Agent in Charge Andrew Arena said, "This indictment is part of the continuing investigation into the corruption which has plagued Detroit. Public corruption is a top criminal priority of the FBI and will not be tolerated. This investigation demonstrates the FBI's commitment in investigating public corruption and brings those who betray the public's trust to justice."

Clark is now facing a maximum of five years in prison and a fine of up to $250,000.

"Obstruction of justice goes to the very heart of our legal system. Lying to federal agents prolongs our efforts to bring people to justice in public corruption and other kinds of cases. We hope that prosecuting those who obstruct
justice will deter others from lying," United States Attorney McQuade said in a statement.

Clark was Chief of Staff to then-Detroit City Council President Ken Cockrel Junior.