Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan | Department of Justice
A former executive assistant to the mayor of Inkster, Michigan, pleaded guilty to making false statements to federal agents during an investigation into a bribery scheme involving the former mayor. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., alongside Reuben Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Saif Alsenad, 33, from Dearborn Heights, served as executive assistant to Mayor Patrick Wimberly between May 2021 and June 2023. In October 2024, Alsenad told FBI agents he was unaware that Wimberly had solicited or agreed to accept $100,000 in exchange for helping an investor acquire a vacant city-owned parcel. However, authorities said Alsenad knew this statement was false because he was aware that Wimberly had accepted cash bribes related to the land deal.
Alsenad has been charged with making a false statement or representation to a department or agency of the United States under 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2). This offense carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine up to $250,000.
In September 2024, Patrick Wimberly pleaded guilty to accepting $100,000 in bribes and received a sentence of two years in prison.
“When law enforcement officers are investigating a crime, lying to them to help shield the offender is never the right decision. This is especially true when those involved are government officials who have a duty to serve the public’s interest, not their own,” said Gorgon.
"Today’s guilty plea by Saif Alsenad demonstrates the FBI’s steadfast commitment to investigate those who undermine the public’s trust, regardless of their position or influence,” said Reuben Coleman. “Working for an elected official does not exempt anyone from accountability when engaging in public corruption. I want to thank the members of the FBI Detroit Area Corruption Task Force for their outstanding investigative work throughout this investigation.”
The case was investigated by the Federal Bureau of Investigation and is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eaton P. Brown.
