Robert Davis arraigned on corruption charges, ordered to undergo mental evaluation

DETROIT (WXYZ) - He's usually outspoken but in federal court Friday, where he was charged with sixteen counts of unlawful conversion of funds, Robert Davis stood mute.

Afterward he did not speak to reporters by order of his noted Attorney Carl Marlinga.

"He is presumed innocent and sometimes people who are charged are actually innocent," said Marlinga.

The indictment alleges that Davis, a member of the Highland Park School Board did embezzle, steal or obtain money fraudulently by funneling it through a questionable advertising company and a charity known as Citizens United.

Marlinga, a former Macomb County prosecutor and a former federal defendant who was acquitted, believes the charges are the results of rumors and fabrications of Davis' adversaries on the school board.

He is confident he will be able to formulate a strong case "when we get all the paperwork" from the prosecution.

Davis is facing up to ten years in prison but because he has no prior record was released on personal bond. He was also ordered to undergo a mental evaluation as part of Friday's hearing.

No date has been set for his trial but he does plan to take the stand.

In the meantime he plans to continue to serve on the school board and to be in court when the Michigan Court of Appeals hears his case against the Detroit Review Team which he's suing for violating the Open Meetings Act.