Patrick Wimberly, the ex-mayor of Inkster, Michigan, faced the music this past Wednesday by admitting guilt in a bribery scandal involving $50,000.
Wimberly lost his reelection bid in 2023 amid his indictment. He confessed to pocketing $50,000 cash from someone eager to buy city land in Inkster.
At 50 years old, Wimberly served as the mayor between 2019 and 2023. Prosecutors detailed how he conducted illicit transactions discreetly, including one incident where he received $10,000 via his car’s center console. The FBI stepped in just before the property transfer could take place.
It was revealed that Wimberly aimed to rake in a total of $100,000.
U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison criticized the former mayor’s greed in a statement, emphasizing that such actions betray public trust.
In a reflective video statement released in October 2023, Wimberly acknowledged his mistakes, stating, “Did I put myself in a situation that I should’ve never been involved with? Yes, I did. I take full responsibility for that.” He expressed his determination to “stand strong” despite his legal woes.
Inkster, a small city near Detroit with around 25,000 residents, now grapples with the aftermath of Wimberly’s unethical behavior as he awaits sentencing.
Cheyvoryea Gibson, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI in Michigan, reiterated the agency’s commitment to tackling public corruption. “Wimberly’s guilty plea serves as a reminder that public officials must act with integrity or face consequences,” he stated.
Wimberly isn’t the only public figure in hot water over corruption charges. Former New Jersey Senator Robert Menendez, for example, was recently convicted of federal corruption charges after a lengthy trial. He was accused of leveraging his political power for luxurious perks from New Jersey businessmen.
Menendez, who resigned from the Senate following his conviction, asserts his innocence and his legal team is actively pursuing motions to overturn the verdict.
His wife, Nadine Menendez, is also implicated in the alleged scheme, which prosecutors claim dates back to 2018, coinciding with their relationship’s start.
Initially intending to run again in 2024, Menendez switched gears after his conviction. Calls for his resignation from various lawmakers echoed in the wake of his legal troubles.
This article includes reporting from the Associated Press.