The wheels of justice have turned for former Taylor Mayor Richard Sollars, who received a nearly six-year prison sentence for his involvement in bribery and wire fraud. At 50 years old, Sollars was found guilty of abusing his political power for personal gain during his time in office. According to the U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan, he accepted bribes from co-defendant Shady Awad, whose real estate company, Realty Transition, was set up to acquire a significant portion of tax-foreclosed properties in Taylor through a Right of First Refusal program. In return, Sollars received $85,011.73 in improvements and extravagant gifts for his various properties.
The web of corruption deepened as Sollars misused his election campaign funds for personal gain, orchestrating a scheme that involved signed blank checks for catering services from Dominick's Market that never actually occurred. This fraudulent activity came to light after the store's owner, Hadir Altoon, kicked back portions of the money, resulting in Sollars pocketing $70,362.98, according to court findings. This evidence of corruption starkly contrasts the ideals of public service with personal greed, raising questions about the relationship between officials and the constituents they are supposed to serve.
U.S. Attorney Dawn N. Ison did not mince words about the betrayal, declaring, "Instead, he used his elected office to award city contracts and spend campaign funds for his own personal financial enrichment." Her remarks highlight her office's dedication to ensuring the integrity of public officials. Cheyvoryea Gibson, the FBI Special Agent-in-Charge, echoed this sentiment, stressing the crucial need for integrity and accountability in public service. He further remarked on the FBI's commitment to exposing unethical practices to the rigorous scrutiny of the judicial system, working alongside the United States Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan.
The case that resulted in Sollars receiving a 71-month prison sentence was driven by a determined investigation conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation, followed by prosecution from Assistant U.S. Attorneys Frances Carlson and Robert Moran.
