OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. – The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office completed an investigation into West Bloomfield Township Trustee Jibran “Jim” Manna following allegations that covert recording devices were installed without consent.
The investigation began after the West Bloomfield Township Police Department received a report on Aug. 9.
Because the allegations involved a sitting township official, the West Bloomfield Police Department referred the matter to the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office for an independent investigation.
Sheriff’s Office detectives obtained and executed search warrants at Manna’s residence and office.
Investigators recovered multiple electronic devices and other evidence.
The Sheriff’s Office Computer Crimes Unit is examining the recovered devices, officials said.
Manna, 65, was taken into custody Aug. 9 and lodged at the Oakland County Jail.
Charges authorized
On Aug. 12, detectives submitted their investigation to the Oakland County Prosecutor’s Office for review. The prosecutor’s office authorized charges Thursday (Aug. 13), against Manna:
- Two counts of capturing or distributing an image of an unclothed person, a five-year felony
- Five counts of eavesdropping by installing or using a device, a two-year felony
Manna is expected to be arraigned Friday, Aug. 14, in 48th District Court.
What investigators found
According to prosecutors, the women discovered cameras hidden inside smoke detectors in their bedrooms.
During a search of Manna’s home, office, and cellphone, officers allegedly recovered additional cameras.
Investigators also found nude surveillance videos from the women’s bedrooms and bathrooms on Manna’s cellphone, according to the prosecutor’s office.
Capturing or distributing an image of an unclothed person is punishable by up to five years in prison. Eavesdropping by installing or using a device is punishable by up to two years.
The investigation remains ongoing.
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