Who is the man at center of Detroit school bribery scandal?

No answer at both addresses listed for Norman Shy

FRANKLIN, Mich. – Who is the man at the center of the Detroit Public Schools bribery scandal?

Local 4 spent the day trying to find Norman Shy, who is charged with paying several principals hundreds of thousands of dollars in kickbacks in exchange for business with his school supplies company.

There was no answer at the door when Local 4 went to a Franklin address that’s in his name. Oakland County property records show the home on Brookwood Lane is valued at more than $1 million.

Just north of Franklin, Shy owns an apartment in Bloomfield Township. Property records show its worth just under $70,000. No one answered the door there either. 

Local 4 did find a website for a business he runs giving communication seminars, "The Art of Communication."

Shy is facing bribery, conspiracy and tax evasion charges for allegedly working with 13 DPS employees to create false business invoices – and paying the employees kickbacks in the form of cash, checks and gift cards.

Shy and the others who are accused have not yet been arraigned. They were charged on information, which means it’s likely plea deals are being negotiated.

Rod Meloni: DPS officials will steal from their own, feds say

View all of the federal complaints here:


About the Author:

Rod Meloni is an Emmy Award-winning Business Editor on Local 4 News and a Certified Financial Plannerâ„¢ Professional.