Hamtramck leaders clash on suspended police chief; FBI seen at city hall

HAMTRAMCK, Mich. (FOX 2) - UPDATE (6 p.m.): An emergency Hamtramck City Council meeting was held Friday night regarding the suspension of Chief Jamiel Altaheri but with no resolution.

One of the members of council, Muhith Mahmood, left the lengthy meeting. By Mahmood leaving, it ended the quorum and forced the proceeding to end without any vote on whether to reinstate Chief Jamiel Altaheri. 

What we know:

The next council meeting is Tuesday where, with a quorum, a decision can be made on whether to vote on reinstating him. 

Over two hours of public comment led to an emotional statement from Mayor Amer Ghalib who took issue with the City Manager Max Garbarino suspending the police chief. Another officer is also suspended as allegations he made against the chief are investigated. 

Just hours earlier the Federal Bureau of Investigation arrived at Hamtramck City Hall today, according to FOX 2 sources, just 48 hours after the city's police chief was suspended.

Jessica Dupnack learned from sources that FBI agents arrived at city hall on Friday morning in connection to the suspension of police chief Jamiel Altaheri. 

The FBI confirmed that agents were in the city for ‘law enforcement activities’ but would not provide further details.

Mayor Ghalib was fuming over the suspension, adding that he wants to be involved and wants it to be transparent.

"Did you hear the story from the police chief? No. Because he's not getting the chance to speak and defend himself," he said. "What is happening now, is we are treating the police chief as a criminal until proven otherwise.

"An anonymous person made some allegations to Max. I heard it from the news. That is why he's suspended. This is why I'm pissed off." 

But Garbarino claimed he did not overstep his authority by issuing the suspension, adding two different investigations are at hand.

"There are criminal allegations which are alleged, which the federal agencies are investigating," he said. "And then there are civil internal departmental allegations that go along with that. These are two separate things."

Garbarino added the police officer who made allegations against the chief will also be investigated. 

It was decided that a third-party investigator will be brought in to investigate the internal matter, but what firm handles it, needs to be decided on by city leaders.

"The FBI is going to take care of this," the mayor said. "I will be a part of this because my name is mentioned in the allegations - and I have a lot to say. Max will be a part of it, and whatever applies to the chief, will apply to Max.

"If the chief is found guilty, I will not defend him."

What we don't know:

Federal authorities would not comment on the suspension of Altaheri, who was placed on leave on Wednesday. Altaheri was sworn in as chief in May 2024, after serving in the New York Police Department.

FOX 2 has tried to contact Altaheri multiple times but has received no response.

On Friday around 12:30, Altaheri said on verified Facebook page that the claims were false.

"I call on the Wayne County Sheriff's Office, State Police and FBI to follow up on these false accusations and all those behind these fabricated stories," he said.

The backstory:

Altaheri was suspended after a whistle-blower sent a detailed email of allegations to city leaders. That information was also reported to Michigan State Police.

The email was obtained by FOX 2 and describes potential violations of department policy and the law.

The email also included implications regarding Altaheri’s involvement in a potential presidential pardon of a wealthy New York City financier who had been convicted of a financial crime and was a friend of Altaheri.

Another concern questions his involvement in an investigation into election fraud in the city.

Garbarino, who suspended the chief, said could not comment on the ongoing investigation. 

FOX 2 was unsuccessful trying to reach Altaheri at his home earlier this week.