HAMTRAMCK, Mich. – Two Hamtramck City Council members were arraigned Tuesday on election fraud charges, adding to the growing list of controversies surrounding the two-square-mile city in Metro Detroit.
Councilmen Mohammed Hassan, 57, and Muhtasin Sadman, 26, received personal bonds of $2,500 and $7,500, respectively, after being charged with multiple felonies related to absentee ballot fraud during the 2023 election.
Monroe County Prosecutor Jeffrey Yorkey, who was assigned to the case after Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel’s recusal, alleges both councilmen forged signatures on absentee ballot applications with intent to defraud. Sadman faces additional charges for allegedly helping two unqualified electors vote in the election.
The defendants remained silent during their court appearances, with their attorneys quickly ushering them in and out of the building. Neither of them responded to requests for comment on the charges.
Other Investigations
The election fraud case is just one of several ongoing investigations into Hamtramck’s city government. The Michigan State Police are currently investigating whether two other council members actually reside within city limits.
Meanwhile, a separate controversy has erupted in the police department. Police Chief Jamiel Altaheri was placed on paid administrative leave in May following multiple allegations of wrongdoing and an FBI probe.
City Manager Max Garbarino, who suspended Altaheri, was himself subsequently suspended by the city council in what he claims was retaliation for his handling of the police chief’s case.
Related: Suspended Hamtramck city manager ejected from council meeting amid lawsuit, internal investigation
Election Irregularities Sparked Investigation
The investigation into Hassan and Sadman began when City Clerk Rana Faraj noticed unusual patterns with absentee ballots during the 2023 election, including identical handwriting on multiple envelopes and large bundles of ballots being submitted simultaneously.
The 2023 election results raised eyebrows when Hassan rose from fourth place in the primary to become the top vote-getter in November, while Sadman jumped from fifth place to secure the third council seat.
Statement from Mayor Amer Ghalib:
“I have always been advocating for free, fair and transparent elections. My integrity has been my strongest weapon of defense throughout my entire life, and I’m committed to fight corruption and stand up for justice in my city or elsewhere. There is no need to weaponize media, law enforcement, and court system against the entire community just because a few people are suspected of committing some wrongdoings. Whoever committed any frauds should face consequences, but we want to ensure fair trail for everyone, and justice should prevail at the end.”
Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib