Detroit Public Library executive suspended after FBI launches investigation into alleged corruption

DETROIT (WXYZ) - The Detroit Public Library's Chief Administrative Officer Tim Cromer has been suspended with pay. according to library commissioners. They told 7 Action News Cromer is the target of the FBI's investigation into alleged corruption.

Cromer earns $145,000 a year and has held the position of Chief Administrative Officer since 2006.

On Tuesday, FBI agents raided Cromer's office and Oakland County home as part of an investigation into contracts and alleged kickbacks.

On Wednesday, the library's Executive Director Jo Anne Mondowney and Detroit library commissioners met with their attorney in a closed-door session for over an hour to discuss Cromer and other issues surrounding the investigation.

Mondowney would not comment on Cromer's reported suspension or the investigation.

There was an emotional outburst from one Detroiter who attended the portion of Wednesday's commission meeting that was open to the public. She blasted some board members that she thought wanted to raise Mondowney's salary from $150,000 to $156,000 and extend her contract.

Mondowney's contract extension was not approved, but a spokesman for the library tells 7 Action News that there was some confusion and that Mondowney already earns $156,000 a year.

The Detroit Library Commission released the following statement:

"The Detroit Library Commission and Administration seeks to conduct all of its affairs openly and with integrity. We therefore intend to fully cooperate with law enforcement authorities who are charged with investigating allegations of wrongdoing.

The Detroit Public Library Commission and Administration are pledged to continue its ongoing review of all Library activities to ensure that the highest standards of integrity are adhered to. We are thankful that we have a dedicated staff that shares those standards. We are prepared to act if we find any exceptions that compromise the Library in any way."