A 34 year old Detroit man was sentenced yesterday to three years in prison for stealing tens of thousands of dollars in funds that had been collected on civil judgments, announced U.S. Attorney Barbara L. McQuade.
McQuade was joined in the announcement by Special Agent in Charge David P. Gelios, Federal Bureau of Investigation, Detroit Division.
Marlon Cleveland, a former Court Officer for the 36th District Court in Detroit, Michigan was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Gershwin A. Drain.
Cleveland pleaded guilty in June to theft from a program receiving federal funds and mail fraud. The convictions arose from a pattern of thefts committed by Cleveland in 2013 and 2014. During that time Cleveland victimized more than 30 different individuals and businesses by demanding that they make payments on outstanding court judgments and then keeping those funds for himself.
U.S. Attorney McQuade stated, “Anyone who abuses a position of trust to steal from our courts or to victimize members of the public should expect to face serious penalties under the law."
Special Agent in Charge Gelios stated, "Mr. Cleveland used his position with the court to defraud both Wayne County, and its residents, all while enriching himself. Individuals who attempt to corrupt a system like this will not be tolerated."
Chief Judge Nancy M. Blount of the 36th District Court stated, “The Court cooperated fully with the investigation and prosecution because this behavior will not be tolerated. We support Judge Drain’s sentence and hope that it will serve as a deterrent to this type of conduct."
The underlying case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation in collaboration with the Michigan Attorney General's Public Integrity Unit.
Source: U.S. Department of Justice, Office of the United States Attorneys
