HAMTRAMCK, Mich. – The city of Hamtramck is facing an escalating legal battle after terminating three top officials on Tuesday, including two whistleblowers who had previously filed a lawsuit alleging corruption within the city’s leadership.
City Manager Max Garbarino, Police Chief Jamiel Altaheri, and Officer David Adamczyk were all terminated following a $400,000 independent investigation by the Miller Johnson law firm.
“The city just made more of a mess for itself,” said attorney Jon Marko, who represents Garbarino and Adamczyk in their whistleblower lawsuit.
Marko confirmed he will be adding wrongful termination claims to the existing lawsuit filed in June.
“We are now going to begin putting all of these corrupt individuals under oath and deposing them and asking them questions under the penalty of perjury,” Marko said. “I have a feeling that a lot of people could potentially go to prison or jail for what happened.”
Attorney Amir Makled, representing former Police Chief Altaheri, has already counterclaimed the whistleblower lawsuit and indicated he may file additional claims against the municipality after Tuesday’s decision.
“Yesterday’s outcome was really inappropriate. The council made a decision, I believe, really based off emotions and not in the best interests of the city,” Makled said. “It clearly shows to me that this council doesn’t care about the residents of the city of Hamtramck. I think they are all looking at their personal agendas.”
The case has become increasingly complex, with multiple layers of allegations and counter-claims:
- Garbarino and Adamczyk filed their initial whistleblower lawsuit in June
- Altaheri has already filed a counterclaim to the whistleblower suit
- Two city council members are separately facing felony charges for alleged election fraud
Despite the mounting legal pressure and potential financial impact on taxpayers, Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib remains defiant.
“We will take the risk. We will defend the city and the interests of the people,” he said to Local 4 on Tuesday night.
The total cost to taxpayers remains uncertain. The independent investigation alone cost approximately $400,000, with additional expenses expected from multiple lawsuits and potential settlements.
WHAT’S NEXT:
The legal battle is expected to intensify as Marko’s team begins the deposition process. The attorney claims the city has “refused to provide witnesses for depositions despite repeated requests,” suggesting potential court intervention to compel cooperation.
Makled indicated his team is reviewing options for additional legal action on behalf of Altaheri, while the city prepares its defense against what could become multiple lawsuits.