Sources: Conyers tied to Detroit scandal

DETROIT, July 5 (UPI) -- Detroit City Council President Pro Tem Monica Conyers has been tied by federal investigators to a growing corruption scandal in the city, two sources say.

Two unidentified individuals close to the investigation said federal officials have electronic surveillance of Conyers allegedly receiving money in relation to a controversial city-approved sludge contract, The Detroit News reported Saturday.

During the city council's review of the contract, Conyers went from opposing the proposal to supporting it.

At least one member of the council is already under investigation for allegedly taking bribes in relation to the $47 million contract awarded to Synargo Technologies, Inc.

The News said Conyers has not attended a council meeting since news of the scandal broke June 28, but the wife of U.S. Rep. John Conyers, D-Detroit, said her absence was merely due to an illness.

"I'm not feeling well right now," Conyers told the News. "When I get back to work, I'll get back to work."

The newspaper said Conyers' attorney has also dismissed the new allegations, saying the public should be skeptical of them.