Former 36th District Court Clerk, suspected co-conspirator charged with forgery

Pair allegedly dismissed traffic tickets for bribes

DETROIT – Attorney General Bill Schuette has charged a former 36th District Court Clerk and an alleged conspirator with felony forgery.

According to a press release from Schuette, Annette Bates and Charles Fair allegedly took at least $20,000 in bribes for dismissing more than $40,000 in traffic tickets.

Fair allegedly funneled requests for dismissal to Bates, who in turn would dismiss the ticket and take a cut of the fee. In some cases, drivers were able to regain licenses after having tickets dismissed. 

"Individuals with a blatant disregard for the law must realize there are consequences," said Schuette. "Stealing from Detroit's traffic citation funds is stealing from not just the City coffers, but stealing from those who are working hard to continue turning Detroit around."

The pair will be in court later this month.