Former Macomb County Public Works Commissioner Anthony Marrocco pled guilty to a corruption scandal investigation that spanned years and led to the convictions of dozens of public officials and contractors.
Two years after being charged with two counts of extortion, one count of attempted extortion, and one count of conspiracy to commit extortion, Anthony Marrocco, 74, pled guilty before U.S. District Judge Robert Cleland in Port Huron on Tuesday, September 20.
The Detroit News reports that prosecutors agreed to drop the extortion charges in return for a 16-month jail sentence.
Prior to agreeing to the terms of the deal, Anthony Marrocco was due to stand trial on all four charges of criminal extortion, each of which carried a maximum sentence of 20 years in federal prison.
According to the publication, Stephen Marrocco may withdraw his guilty plea if Judge Cleland decides to sentence the former commissioner to more than 16 months in prison.
Everything you need to know about the extortion attempt by Anthony Morocco
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Anthony Marrocco, one of Detroit’s longest-serving public officials, is also recognized as a formidable politician in the region, having used his influence to solicit contributions from builders and contractors for his fundraising events.
From 1993 through 2016, Marrocco oversaw an extortion business in which he used his power to blackmail individuals. Donations to his fundraisers would support his political initiatives and objectives.
Stephen Marrocco allegedly reacted against anyone who refused to pay his fundraisers by delaying their building licenses and job contracts.
The FBI spent six years researching the corruption investigation that brought down former garbage magnate Chuck Rizzo, towing magnate Gasper Fiore, and other municipal politicians, according to the Detroit News. According to reports, Marrocco plays a vital role in the plot.
In 2020, Morocco was charged. Following the guilty plea entered by his client in court, his attorney issued the following statement:
“Tony Marrocco pleaded guilty to pressuring a developer to purchase tables at a fundraiser; this was the only charge to which he pleaded guilty; all other charges were dismissed.” The developer did not purchase the tables. However, this is an attempt at blackmail. “That’s it.”
Anthony Marrocco’s guilty plea is a major development in the extortion plot
U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison stated in a news release that Marrocco used his influence in government to extort thousands of dollars from those seeking seats at his fundraising dinners. He believes this sends a powerful message to those in charge not to abuse their positions.
He stated in a declaration:
“Marrocco’s conviction for extortion sends a clear message that public officials cannot use their official status to coerce civilians into contributing to their political campaigns. This conviction underscores Macomb County’s decades-long campaign against corruption, which has benefited the rule of law and good government for county residents.”
The Detroit News reports that Morocco will be penalized on January 26, 2023.
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