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Secret recordings may shake up DLBA fraud case

Posted at 10:52 PM, Feb 24, 2016
and last updated 2016-02-24 22:52:37-05

A new chapter in Detroit’s controversial demolition program will get underway Thursday. That’s when attorneys for a contractor accused of over billing the Detroit Land Bank Authority will continue to try and convince an Oakland County judge the case should be dropped. 

7 Action News has obtained secret recordings that could prove to be a bombshell.

Amid accusations of soaring costs in Detroit’s demolition program, efforts were made to scrutinize the money trail.

One company looked at, ADR Consulting. In December, 2015, ADR”s president, Barry Ellentuck, was charged with one count of attempted false pretenses with intent to defraud the government. 

Prosecutors claim he pressured an employee, Tim McCarthy, to falsify invoices to the Detroit Land Bank Authority.

That's something Ellentuck denies, and believes secret recordings will prove he did nothing wrong and expose other demolition officials.

Click on the video player to watch Ronnie Dahl’s report. You can also listen to a segment of the recording in video player below.

Have a story for Ronnie?  Email her at ronnie.dahl@wxyz.com