Judge Dismisses Charges Against Lawyer In Wayne County's Failed Jail Project

DETROIT (AP) — A judge has dismissed charges against a lawyer who was accused of misconduct in a multimillion-dollar failed jail project in Wayne County.

Judge Vonda Evans on Friday said Steven Collins is a public employee but not a public official. He was charged with misconduct in office and willful neglect of duty.

The unfinished jail is an eyesore in Detroit, across from the county courthouse. Construction stopped more than two years ago because the project was wildly over budget. The county still doesn't know what to do with the site.

Prosecutor Robert Moran says Collins knew about cost overruns but never informed county commissioners or others in authority. Defense attorney James Thomas says Collins' job description didn't include reporting to commissioners.

Former county chief financial officer Carla Sledge also is charged.