HIGHLAND PARK, Mich. – The FBI said Robert Davis betrayed the trust and the children of Highland Park when he spent school district money on fancy clothes, electronics and at car dealerships.
Davis, who is now a former member of the Highland Park school board, pleaded guilty to embezzling $92,000 from the district. However, despite his guilty plea, he's getting a high-powered character witness in his search for leniency.
According to court documents, Wayne County Clerk Cathy Garrett wrote a letter on Davis' behalf which suggests he is being picked on because of his race. Garrett is one of seven character witnesses who supplied letters on Davis' behalf. All were interviewed by investigators from the U.S. Attorney's Office who are prosecuting the case.
According to prosecution documents, "Garrett described Davis' legal problems as an example of 'What a black man in Detroit is up against.'"
Of all the attorneys and business people offering support to Davis, no one but Garrett mentions race as a factor. At her office on Friday, a receptionist told Local 4 she was in, but her assistant said, "She's not, you know, available to speak or meet with anyone."
Local 4's request for comment never was answered.
In the past, Davis himself has suggested his prosecution was politically motivated, but he never has played the race card. Until his guilty plea, Davis was employed by AFSCME Council 25. Under federal law, any union employee found guilty of embezzlement must be fired. Davis wants to keep his job.
Garrett's brother, Al Garrett, is president of AFSCME Council 25. He told investigators he believes the firing of Davis was appropriate and Davis has not yet demonstrated he is rehabilitated.
In Highland Park, little sympathy has been found for the former school board member.
Prosecutors say the court should dismiss Garrett's request for leniency because she offers no examples of community service as evidence Davis is rehabilitated. In fact, his references fail to acknowledge what Davis himself admits: that he was responsible and guilty.
Davis faces a possible 18-24 months in prison. His sentencing is scheduled for Dec. 9 at 2 p.m. We'll find out if the Wayne County clerk's support will sway the judge.