Detroit officials facing FBI inquiry

DETROIT, June 28 (UPI) -- Members of the Detroit City Council are being investigated by the FBI for their alleged connection to a corruption scandal, sources say.

Sources say the council members have been added to a growing public corruption investigation related to a sludge-treatment project the city council voted on last year, the Detroit Free Press reported Saturday.

Among the city officials being interviewed by FBI investigators has been Council President Ken Cockrel Jr., who sources say is not a suspect in the inquiry.

The probe stems from the proposed creation of a $125 million sludge-treatment plant that has been criticized by union and city officials alike.

Criminal defense attorney Steve Fishman, who may be representing Councilwoman Monica Conyers, said the corruption scandal has been filled with leaks and unsubstantiated reports.

"It is extremely irresponsible for anyone to have leaked information to the press about an investigation that may or may not be under way," he said. "If the time comes when I receive information from someone other than a newspaper reporter, I might be able to give an intelligent response."