Andre Spivey Pleads Guilty To Accepting Bribes

DETROIT — Former Detroit City Councilman, André Spivey pleaded guilty on Tuesday to accepting bribes from an undercover law enforcement agent, Acting United States Attorney Saima S. Mohsin said.

Spivey, 47 pleaded guilty to a bribery conspiracy charge by accepting over $35,000 in bribe payments in connection with the City Council’s oversight of towing in Detroit, according to a news release.

The bribery conspiracy count is punishable by up to five years in federal prison. He will likely face a guideline sentencing range of between 37 and 46 months of imprisonment.

"The people of Detroit deserve a city government free of corruption and pay-to-play politics," Mohsin said. "The conviction of Councilman Spivey for accepting $35,000 in bribes demonstrates that the federal government remains vigilant and determined in rooting out corruption within the City of Detroit."

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On eight separate occasions between February 2018 and February 2020, Spivey, or a member of his staff accepted bribe payments amounting to thousands of dollars from the undercover agent, according to the news release.

Furthermore, Spivey accepted those bribes in exchange for his assistance with a pending towing ordinance before the Detroit City Council, according to the news release.

Spivey's conviction is the second felony charge to a Detroit City Councilmember this year. Former City Councilmember Gabe Leland was indicted in June on federal bribery charges. The FBI also raided the homes and offices of two other Detroit City Councilmembers: Scott Benson and Janae Ayers in August.

Spivey represents the 4th District on the city's far east side, is not running for reelection in next week's city primary election. He has served in office since 2009.

Spivey is the first person charged by the FBI in their corruption investigation into Detroit City Council, known as "Operation Northern Hook."