Warren Mayor Fouts Under Investigation: "I'm In A Pressure Cooker"

WARREN (WWJ) - Warren Mayor Jim Fouts says he's done nothing wrong, as he remains under investigation by Michigan State Police in connection with a recorded telephone conversation.

This is after an unknown city appointee allegedly taped a phone conversation during which the mayor says he did use some questionable language.

CLICK HERE to hear an alleged recording of the call - edited (credit: WDIV-TV)

Fouts admits that he was angry.

"What I was so mad about is irrelevant," he told WWJ's Charlie Langton. "I think what's the most important thing is that what has happened to me is the breach of a confidentiality; that confidentiality trust between a mayor and his appointees.

"I am the mayor of the third largest city. I'm in a pressure cooker. I have a boiling point like everybody has, and the bottom line is the boiling point erupted, but it wasn't meant for consumption," Fouts said, insisting that he did not violate any laws.

Fouts would not name the appointee, but said that person was hired several years ago.

State police Lt. Michael Shaw said their probe began last week when they were approached by a man who was upset about alleged threats made by the mayor.

Shaw said the investigation is still in the early stages, but they've been talking with the complainant and some other people and plan to interview the mayor later this week.

It's expected that any findings will be sent to the Macomb County Prosecutor's Office next week.

Warren voters elected Fouts, a former city councilman and retired teacher, in 2011 to his second four-year term as mayor.