The phrase, “justice delayed is justice denied,” is well known and has been repeated many times by judges and others in the legal profession.  This phrase carries significance with regards to the events that have taken place, surrounding Wayne County and the current investigation by the federal government.

For the record, anyone involved in a crime of public corruption ought to be fully investigated, and if an investigation yields sufficient evidence, they should be charged. However, in the case involving Wayne County, there have been numerous accusations and a lengthy investigation, but no closure to the matter. 

The length of time that it has taken for the government to review the situation has been a detriment to the region, as many have resorted to speculation, which continues to cast a dark cloud over the County, the region and the State. Potential investors and businesses want to be a part of a stable environment.  They want the region to grow and prosper, and they want to rebuild Detroit and restore its image. 

It is our understanding that the County, including its officials at the highest levels, unlike those in the Kilpatrick situation, has been fully cooperative and has given authorities full access to all emails, documents and personnel. 

The federal government has many resources at its disposal to conduct investigations. This particular investigation into Wayne County has been underway for over 2 years now. Unlike the Kilpatrick investigation, which was under wraps during its initial stages, this current investigation has been fairly high profile. Such visibility can hurt the reputations and future of individuals who claim that they have done nothing.

 While it is known that the Detroit FBI field office has gone through three directors over the last three years, which may have impacted the timeline of this investigation, it does not excuse the fact that reputations have been damaged in the process. 

The timeliness and fairness of federal investigations, in general, have also affected the current race for mayor in the City of Detroit.  Federal documents and press accounts show that, in 2010, when the DMC was being sold to Vanguard, the federal government was looking into Medicaid and Medicare fraud, under Mike Duggan’s leadership. There was also concern about allegations of illegal kickbacks and inappropriate relationships with DMC doctors.

In press statements, the Assistant U.S. Attorney admits that the investigation was stopped, after only 41 days, even though it involved several hundred doctors and the DMC’s own actions. Nobody was charged, and a $30 million fine was levied. Again, this was all done in 41 days; in the interest of assuring that Vanguard would close the deal.

All of us in the region, for the sake of our families and our economic recovery, want justice and fairness. It has now been two years that Wayne County has been under investigation.  Yes, we want justice — but let’s be fair in the length of time it has taken and the image it has created for those involved.