New allegations surface about misuse of Wayne County funds

DETROIT – New accusations are surfacing in the severance scandal that has rocked Wayne County.

Local 4 has learned that two former county administrators are accusing Wayne County Executive Robert Ficano of misusing money that should have gone to help people with disabilities.

Recommended Videos



The administrators claim Ficano allegedly took Medicaid funds flowing from Washington and spent them to hire staff members, among other things.

Ficano's spokeswoman, Brooke Blackwell, said the allegations are not true and that two independent annual audits have not found any discrepancies.

She issued this statement:

"Anyone can make an allegation, but the truth of the matter is that there have been no irregularities in any of the many audits conducted. Mental Health is only partially funded by federal dollars and those funds earmarked for expenses and salaries are carefully accounted for. Many people and staffers are advocates for community mental health programs."


About the Author:

Local 4 Defender Shawn Ley is an Emmy award-winning journalist who has been with Local 4 News for more than a decade.