Watch CBS News

FBI To Investigate Wayne County Severance Deal

DETROIT (WWJ) - The FBI is investigating a $200,000 severance deal given to former Wayne County Development Director Turkia Mullin. Michigan Attorney General spokesman John Selleck has confirmed that the FBI is looking into the deal.

"They confirmed to us that they will indeed take on an investigation of the Mullin situation. They'll get started right away," Selleck told WWJ Newsradio 950. "And that will put the other efforts on pause as the FBI continues to do an investigation."

Turkia Awada Mullin
Turkia Mullin: (credit: waynecounty.com)

Mullins received the payout after leaving her old job to take over as chief executive of Detroit Metro Airport. She eventually gave the money back.

"When the situation first came to light it certainly didn't pass the smell test. It wasn't something that looked good for the tax payers," Selleck said.

"So, now what we'll be able to do is let the FBI, a unquestion investigative authority, look closely at the situation. We'll let them do their work, not try to prejudge what their efforts are. We'll wait until they're done and everybody will be able to see at the same time what they found," he said.

Following an internal investigation, Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano announced last Friday that two county employees were suspended and another fired over the severance debacle.

Mullin's new job pays $250,000 per year. Wayne County currently faces a $160 million budget deficit.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.