DEARBORN — The Wayne County Prosecutor’s Office, in conjunction with the Michigan State Police, has closed its extensive investigation of the Dearborn Police Department regarding a 2004 bar fight, concluding there is no credible evidence of any illegal behavior by members of the department.

Robert Donaldson, lead attorney of the Public Integrity Unit, informed the City of the prosecutor’s decision, following an 18-month review of off-duty police officers who were at the bar following a retirement party when a fight broke out. 

The prosecutor’s statement of “no credible evidence of any illegal activities” conclusively counters concerns about the off-duty officers’ behavior, which were originally brought up at a 2007 City Council meeting.

Mayor John B. O’Reilly, Jr. said he is pleased that the comprehensive review by the prosecutor and State Police has effectively cleared the off-duty officers.

“We are committed to ensuring that the public can have a high level of trust in all City of Dearborn employees,” said Mayor O’Reilly.  “When questions were raised at the council meeting about our off-duty police officers, we followed through with the Prosecutor’s Office because of that commitment to the public’s trust.

“I hope any doubt about our Police Department is now erased by the public’s renewed confidence in our officers and command staff,” Mayor O’Reilly said.

“I share that confidence and am eager to move forward with the department, concentrating on continuing to provide excellent public safety services,” he said.

“I’m also glad personally, and on behalf of the City, that the prosecutor’s decision preserves the honorable reputation of the late Police Chief Michael Celeski, who served Dearborn his entire career with whole-hearted dedication, and who should be remembered that way,” he said.