Several Detroit Building Inspectors Charged With Taking Bribes

DETROIT (WWJ) - Several Detroit building safety inspectors were formally charged Friday in 36th District Court with ignoring code violations in exchange for bribes.

Defense Attorney Doraid Elder says his client, Robert Watson, adamantly denies allegations that led to him facing four counts of bribery; two of which are felonies.

Watson faces sentences of up to 10 years on each of the felonies. But, Elder doesn't think the case will necessarily end with his client spending time behind bars:

"He has no prior contacts with the law in terms of convictions so, depending on what the guidelines are, I anticipate that it can be probationary," said Elder.

Elder says Watson was shocked and completely floored by the bribery allegations against him. He and his co-defendants are due back in court September 11th for their preliminary exams.