New trial date set for Ex-Highland Park manager in embezzlement case

Art Blackwell accused of raking in $264,000 that wasn't authorized or part of his contract

HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. – A new trial date has been set for embezzlement and misconduct charges against former Highland Park Emergency Manager Art Blackwell.

The trial for Blackwell, who is accused of raking in $264,000 that wasn't authorized or part of his contract, will start May 6.

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What happened

Blackwell was appointed by then Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm in April 2005 to bring the city out of financial trouble. He promised to work for the cash-strapped city for $1 a year.

But according to papers filed in a taxpayer lawsuit, in 2008 Blackwell's contract was renegotiated for an $11,000 per month salary.

The prosecutor's office's said the Michigan Department of Treasury conducted an audit and concluded that Blackwell was fully compensated for his services when he received $110,000 from April 2008 until his termination from the position in April 2009.

But Blackwell is also accused of writing himself a check from the city of Highland Park for the same services.

Blackwell has said Granholm personally approved the decision to change his pay from $1 per year to $11,000 per month.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy said Blackwell paid himself $264,000 more in checks written from city funding. At the time, Highland Park was facing a $16 million deficit.

Charges dismissed, then reinstated

Judge Cynthia Gray Hathaway in January 2011overturned a ruling that found there was probable cause to hold a trial for Blackwell.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy appealed the decision, and the Court of Appeals reinstated the charges.

A civil jury in a lawsuit did rule that Blackwell took the $264,000 in question.