HAMTRAMCK, Mich. (FOX 2) - A report out of Hamtramck detailing allegations of misconduct by city officials spanning six years found that multiple officials engaged in actions that the report's authors deemed as grounds for termination.
Big picture view:
The 59-page document, compiled by Miller Johnson Attorneys, an outside law firm hired by the city and shared with FOX 2, detailed alarming claims centered around suspended Hamtramck Police Chief Jamiel Altaheri, Officer David Adamczyk, and City Manager Max Garbarino.
The investigation, which is expected to be publicly discussed at Tuesday's city council meeting, found that Altaheri allegedly destroyed evidence by wiping his city phone, drove his city vehicle while intoxicated, misused his police lights to run red lights, and at one point even handed a loaded gun to a civilian volunteer, allegedly instructing the volunteer to point it at someone’s head.
Still from a video allegedly showing Chief Altaheri driving recklessly. (Source: Miller Johnson Attorneys)
Dig deeper:
Investigators further alleged that Officer David Adamczyk tried to rig a sergeant’s exam, abused overtime hours, lied about secretly recording colleagues, and joined Chief Altaheri in an "improper stolen car recovery."
Additionally, the report claimed City Manager Max Garbarino showed poor judgment in pushing to re-hire Officer Adamczyk and allegedly attended a council meeting armed with a concealed weapon after being suspended.
The investigation concluded that there is enough evidence to discipline all three men, up to and including termination.
The other side:
Altaheri has issued a statement:
"I have become aware of the confidential report released today regarding the recent internal investigation regarding the City of Hamtramck and the Hamtramck Police Department.
While I strongly dispute many of the conclusions drawn within it, I recognize that this has been a difficult time for our city and our police department. As Police Chief, I have always worked to build stronger ties between our officers and the community we serve. Under my leadership, we have expanded community outreach, modernized operations of the department, and made important strides in public safety. It is unfortunate that these positive contributions are absent from the report.
I also understand the seriousness of the concerns raised. I am committed to working with the Mayor, City Council, and the City's legal team to address those concerns in a way that strengthens our department and the city we serve with pride and honor. I believe that accountability and fairness must go hand in hand. Out of respect for the process, I will not comment further on the details of the investigation at this time as to allow the legal process to fully work for all involved.
My focus remains on serving the people of Hamtramck with integrity, ensuring stability within the department and restoring the trust that is vital to effective policing. I ask the public to withhold judgment until all facts are fairly considered, and due process is completed."
What's next:
The report is expected to be discussed fully at Tuesday night’s city council meeting.
The Source: FOX 2 used information from Miller Johnson Attorneys for this report.