Detroit city councilman Gabe Leland heard in bribe sting from recording obtained by Free Press

DETROIT (FOX 2) - Audio recordings secured by the Detroit Free Press and reporter M.L. Elrick put a Detroit city councilman at a southwest Detroit strip club brokering a deal to accept bribes.

Gabe Leland has already been charged but it's the first time we're hearing it on tape. 

Councilman Gabe Leland bribe exchange heard on recordings obtained by Free Press

Carmack, who made a name for himself with lingering lawsuits involving property ownership in Detroit, wanted Leland to block the sale of some of his property in exchange for $15,000 as part of the sting.

The players - Leland and Detroit businessman, Bob Carmack. The two met over campaign contributions years back in summer, 2017, meeting over drinks at Sting Gentleman's Club.

Through the music and other sounds - you can hear Leland, seemingly taking a bribe.   Carmack was wearing a wire by the FBI - one of several recorded conversations catching Leland.

"Drove straight down to the FBI building knocked on their door and said I'm being extorted," Carmack said. 

Carmack, who made a name for himself with lingering lawsuits involving property ownership in Detroit, wanted Leland to block the sale of some of his property in exchange for $15,000 as part of the sting. 

It was a deal Leland took.

The recordings were obtained through the Freedom of Information Act by The Detroit Free Press - reveal one of Leland's staffers, picking up an envelope with cash to seal the deal.  

"It's not that I helped the feds it's that I felt like I had to pay to play," Carmack said.

Leland was caught up in the whole pay to play game, was indicted by a federal grand jury with bribery after this FBI investigation. It was a story M.L. Elrick broke during his time with FOX 2. 

MORE GABE LELAND COVERAGE:

• Detroit councilmember Gabe Leland accused of felony misconduct in office along with past bribery charge
• 2 separate lawsuits say Detroit Councilman Gabe Leland sought bribes
• Detroit City Councilman Gabe Leland indicted on bribery charges

Last month Leland struck a plea deal for accepting a campaign contribution in cash. It is a felony and he's expected to plead guilty, which means he'll be forced to vacate his council seat.

"What would I say to him?" Carmack said, repeating a question. "I'd say this is what happens when you pay to play, brother."