URGENT UPDATE: An investigation has revealed that Oakland County’s recent contract with Zaydlogix LLC, worth $450,000, has violated state law and county policy. This alarming finding raises serious accountability questions for county officials and taxpayers alike, as the contract was awarded to a company owned by a current county employee.
The scandal erupted following a whistleblower’s email sent in early July 2023, which alerted Oakland County Executive David Coulter and other leaders that the contract was improperly awarded. The contract was cancelled immediately after the alert, with officials confirming that no payments were made. In response to the incident, Coulter’s administration hired the law firm Miller, Canfield, Paddock & Stone to conduct a thorough investigation.
On Tuesday morning, findings from the investigation were presented during a county committee meeting, shocking many as they were revealed without prior notice. Deputy County Executive Sean Carlson confirmed that the contract was indeed a “black and white violation” of state law, citing a lack of understanding of conduct policies among some employees involved.
Despite the serious breach, the investigation found no evidence of fraud or kickbacks, according to Chief Deputy Oakland County Executive Walt Herzig. “We don’t see a need to make any sort of formal referral to law enforcement,” Herzig stated, raising eyebrows among concerned residents and officials alike.
The county paid $17,836 for the Miller Canfield investigation; however, only a brief summary of the findings was released, which has further fueled skepticism. Commissioner Kristen Nelson expressed her frustration, stating, “It seems pretty absurd to receive a filtered summary when we paid for a thorough investigation.”
The implications of this scandal are significant. The IT contract involved the Courts and Law Enforcement Management Information System (CLEMIS), a crucial network used daily by police officers, sheriff’s deputies, and court officials for sharing critical information. CLEMIS handles sensitive data including criminal histories, 911 calls, and biometric information, making the integrity of its management vital for public safety.
As the fallout continues, county officials face increasing pressure to ensure transparency and accountability. Commissioner Brendan Johnson has called for further investigation into the matter, stressing the need for a clear response to the public’s concerns.
The community is now left wondering: What will happen next, and will there be consequences for those involved? With local leaders demanding answers, the situation remains highly charged. Residents are urged to stay informed as developments unfold.
For more updates on this unfolding story, follow Heather Catallo’s reporting.
If you have insights or information related to this investigation, contact Heather Catallo directly at [email protected].
