A former executive assistant to the mayor of Inkster has pleaded guilty to lying to federal agents during an investigation into a bribery scheme involving former Mayor Patrick Wimberly. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., with Reuben Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Saif Alsenad, 33, from Dearborn Heights, Michigan, served as executive assistant to Mayor Wimberly between May 2021 and June 2023. In October 2024, Alsenad told FBI agents he was not aware that Wimberly had solicited or agreed to accept $100,000 in exchange for helping an investor acquire a vacant city-owned property. However, authorities stated that Alsenad knew his statements were false because he was aware of Wimberly’s agreement to accept cash bribes related to the sale of the 13-acre parcel.
Alsenad has been charged with making false statements to a federal agency under 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2), which carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a $250,000 fine.
In September 2024, Patrick Wimberly admitted guilt in connection with accepting $100,000 in bribes and received a sentence of two years in prison.
United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., said: “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.”
Reuben Coleman commented: “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,” and added: “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.
