Conyers Pleads Guilty to Conspiracy

(WXYZ) - Detroit City Councilwoman Monica Conyers appeared in Federal Court Friday, pleading guilty to felony charges that could put her behind bars for up to five years. 

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Conyers pleaded guilty to one count of conspiracy to commit bribery concerning programs receiving federal funds before United States District Judge Avern Cohn.

She has been a target of a federal probe into the Synagro sludge-hauling scandal for the past two years.

United States Attorney Terrence Berg announced that the Conyers investigation completes the government's investigation into Detroit City Council member involvement with the Synagro contract, but says the investigation into corruption in the Synagro case is ongoing. 

"I want to state that this investigation has not uncovered evidence sufficient to support charging any
other elected members of the Detroit City Council with taking bribes or engaging in acts of
corruption relating to the Synagro contract," Berg said.
 
Berg also pointed out that there is no evidence that suggests Congressman John Conyers, husband of Monica Conyers, had any knowledge or role in Ms. Conyers’  illegal conduct.

Documents say she knowingly conspired to accept bribes or things of value while an agent of the City of Detroit. In addition to possible prison time, she also faces fines of up to $200,000.

Action News was in the courtroom for the plea. Conyers, known for her outspoken and often confrontational personality, was remarkably soft-spoken during the court appearance. She appeared to show little emotion.

Conyers was released on personal bond.

A cloud of suspicion has lingered over the councilwoman, concerning her role in the Synagro Sludge scandal.

Charging documents from the U.S. Attorney's office allege she met with an individual sent by Detroit businessman Rayford Jackson in the parking lot of the Butzel Family Center on November 20, 2007 and received an envelope containing cash.

Conyers is also accused of accepting another envelope containing cash on December 4, 2007 at a McDonald's parking lot in Detroit. 

Conyers has repeatedly dismissed reporter questions regarding the controversy. She has been identified as "Councilmember A" who former Synagro exec James Rosendall claims he bribed in order to get a sludge contract.

According to court documents, "Council Member A" is accused of accepting thousands of dollars in bribes in exchange for the approval of the contract.

Earlier this month, Detroit businessman Rayford Jackson pleaded guilty to charges that he conspired to bribe a City Council member in the Synagro sludge hauling scandal.

Under terms of a plea deal, Jackson faces a maximum of 5 years in prison.

Jackson has admitted to arranging bribes worth thousands of dollars to a person identified only as "Council Member A," who has now been identified as Monica Conyers.

Statement from Congressman John Conyers

The Communication's Director for Congressman John Conyers - husband to Monica Conyers - issued the following statement:

"This has been a trying time for the Conyers family and, with hope and prayer, they will make it through this as a family. Public officials must expect to be held to the highest ethical and legal standards. With this in mind, Mr. Conyers wants to work towards helping his family and city recover from this serious matter."