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FBI Takes Over Probe Into Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s Alleged Financial Mishandling

Photo: Andrew Mullin ~ 760 WJR

DETROIT, May 22, 2024 ~ The FBI has taken over the financial investigation into the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy looking into the possibility of financial mismanagement.

Last week, Michigan State Police opened an investigation involving the conservancy’s finances, with the conservancy putting CFO William Smith on leave. Conservancy Board Chairman Matt Cullen said he became concerned about the accuracy of management reports and financial statements provided to the board.


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May 22, 2024 ~ The FBI has taken over the financial investigation into the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy looking into the possibility of financial mismanagement. WJR Senior News Analyst Marie Osborne talks to Paul W. Smith about the investigation.


(CONTINUED) The Honigman Law Firm was brought out to investigate and then brought evidence of financial wrongdoing by the CFO to Michigan State Police and requested a criminal investigation. According to Cullen, MSP said the investigation was too complex and they had turned it over to the FBI.

Since its founding in 2015, the conservancy has received millions of dollars from government, private, and philanthropic sources to redevelop land between the Ambassador and Belle Isle bridges. It has also received international honors for its transformation of the riverfront.


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