Macomb County political player Dino Bucci indicted in corruption case

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A major player in Macomb County was indicted Wednesday on charges of public corruption.

Federal investigators have charged 18 people including indicting Dino Bucci today, known as one of the most powerful players in Macomb County politics.

The feds indicted Bucci on 18 counts of public corruption, ranging from bribery, extortion, embezzlement and fraud.  Bucci's attorneys didn't return calls seeking comment but Bucci himself addressed the matter during a May deposition under questioning.

Attorney Ben Aloia: "Have you ever received anything of value from any person in exchange for your vote of approval on any matter before Macomb Township?

Bucci's attorney Fred Gibson responded with "Oh my goodness."

Bucci: "Can I answer that?"

Gibson: "Sure."

Bucci: "No."

The feds now say that isn't true and that Bucci was at the center of a long-running pay-to-play scheme involving the Macomb County Public Works Commission, where he was a top-appointed official, and Macomb Township, where he is an elected public official.
 
The charges came as no surprise to Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Candice Miller, who said: 
 
"The scenario described in the federal indictment of Dino Bucci handed down today, does not represent Macomb County values and is an affront to the sensibilities of the residents of our community. On my first work day after taking office as Public Works Commissioner, I arrived at the building at 8 a.m. At 8:15 a.m., I had Mr. Bucci escorted from the building."

Macomb County Township Supervisor Janice Dunn said she is saddened and angered at today's news. She also vowed to do anything in her power to recoup any money wrongfully taken from anybody in the township.

Bucci is retired from the public works commission but he is still an elected trustee of Macomb Township.