MT. CLEMENS, Mich. (WXYZ) — Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith is facing scrutiny. For years his office spent county forfeiture funds with no county oversight. County Commissioners on Wednesday voted for an audit to see how he spent the money.
“Let me be clear, there is no smoking gun,” said Commissioner Joseph Romano.
Romano said right now he is not aware of any wrong doing by Macomb County Prosecutor Eric Smith, but he wants there to be oversight of how money in the fund is spent.
Commissioner Leon Drolet says he already is concerned about some of the spending he has seen with a passing glance at checks.
“The fund is required to be used for law enforcement purposes under law, but it has been used for parties, retirement parties, sporting events. expensive dinners, cheesecakes,” said Drolet.
Critics ask, was some of the money spent on pleasure or even campaign purposes? Some was donated to local churches and charities.
“This whole thing drives me a little crazy. I always thought I was doing a good thing,” said Eric Smith in a previous commission meeting, recorded by the county.
He said the charities that received money help law enforcement.
Prosecutor Smith did send me a copy of a statement he sent to commissioners Wednesday. He said he could not appear in person due to a previously scheduled family vacation. In it he insists the money was spent in accordance with the law.
