Detroit Building Official Pleads Guilty To Bribery

DETROIT (AP) — A former city of Detroit buildings official charged in a scheme to have the public pay for $10,000 in kitchen equipment at his church has reached a plea deal.

The U.S. attorney's office says Charlie Golden pleaded guilty Tuesday to a bribery count in U.S. District Court in Detroit.

Federal authorities have said Golden talked to a city contractor about installing an exhaust and hood over a deep fryer at Perfecting Freedom Church. Authorities say Golden signed phony city invoices to ensure that the contractor would be paid by taxpayers.

Defense lawyer Kim Stout says Golden accepted responsibility for one count to put the matter behind him. She says he's had a long and successful career.

Sentencing is April 12.

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