Extortion scandal hits Detroit Police Department; 2 current officers indicted, 4 retired cops plead

DETROIT – Two current Detroit police officers were indicted Tuesday on federal extortion charges while four retired officers pleaded guilty in a bribery scandal involving chop shops and towing companies.

According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office, the officers accepted bribes from collision shops in exchange for referring stolen and abandoned vehicles recovered in Detroit.

“The vast majority of Detroit police officers are courageous, dedicated, superb public servants,” said U.S. Attorney Daniel Lemisch. “The charged defendants should have put the people of Detroit first, rather than lining their own pockets.”

Deonne Dotson, 45, and Charles Wills, 52, were both indicted Tuesday and are currently employed by the Detroit Police Department. Dotson was charged with six counts of extortion, while Wills faces four counts.

Both Dotson and Wills are expected to be arraigned Tuesday.

James Robertson, 45, and Martin Tutt, 29, pleaded guilty to two counts of extortion, while Jamil Martin, 46, and Anthony Careathers, 52, each pleaded guilty to one count of extortion.

Each of the extortion charges carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and a $250,000 fine.

“While these allegations are troubling, we are relieved that this bringing closure to a long standing issue that has plagued this department,” said Detroit police Chief James Craig.

Stay with Local 4 and ClickonDetroit.com as more information becomes available.