Hamtramck police chief placed on administrative leave
The city of Hamtramck confirmed on Wednesday that Police Chief Jamiel Altaheri and an officer were placed on administrative leave.
City Manager Max Garbarino did not provide details on the suspension but said it was due to an ongoing investigation.
According to the city's website, Altaheri was appointed as police chief in Hamtramck after serving for the New York Police Department, becoming the highest-ranking Yemeni-American police officer.
Hamtramck City Council held an emergency meeting Friday.
Garbarino issued the following statement ahead of Friday's meeting:
"It has come to my attention that a special City Council meeting has been called for Friday at 4:00 p.m., with the intent to terminate my employment after more than two decades of dedicated service to our city.
Let me be unequivocally clear: any such action would be retaliatory, unlawful, and a blatant abuse of power.
Over the past two months, I have taken appropriate and responsible steps to address credible allegations of illegal and unethical conduct within our police department and among elected officials. Due to the serious nature of these allegations, I have involved outside law enforcement agencies to ensure impartiality and maintain the integrity of any investigation. This is a standard practice for officials in my position, designed to ensure fairness to all involved and to preserve the credibility of findings.I recently received additional credible evidence of serious allegations involving city officials. I refused to ignore these matters and instead entrusted them to the appropriate authorities for fair review. I believe these matters are being handled with due diligence, and I have worked to protect the privacy and reputations of the accused, as is my duty.
The City Council's planned employment action against me is not related to my performance or any misconduct on my part. This is pure and simple retaliation:
• Retaliation for lawful investigations into widespread violations of the City Charter and state and local election law. • Retaliation for my refusal to unlawfully terminate the City Clerk at the Council's politically motivated demand.
• And now, retaliation in the midst of a criminal investigation by the Michigan Attorney General, which, according to recent media reports, has been accepted for prosecution by Monroe County.These very council members, now facing potential felony charges, are seeking to remove the one person who refused to compromise integrity to shield their misconduct: me. This is obstruction of justice. This is an attempt to intimidate me as a witness to some of the allegations being investigated.
If the Council proceeds with this action, you will expose the city to significant legal liability, including claims of wrongful termination, unlawful retaliation, and civil rights violations. While I do not wish to litigate against the City of Hamtramck, and my desire is to continue serving our residents with integrity, professionalism, and a steadfast commitment to ethical governance, I am fully prepared to pursue all appropriate legal remedies to defend my name and hold accountable those who misuse public office for personal gain.
Hamtramck deserves leaders who act with honesty, accountability, and sound judgment—not fear, political retribution, or self-interest. I urge the City Council to reconsider before causing irreparable harm. End this unjust campaign and allow the city to move forward with stability and respect for the rule of law.
I make a specific plea to Mayor Ghalib, who is soon to represent our country as Ambassador to Kuwait. Sir, this moment demands the judgment, principle, and leadership expected of a diplomat serving our nation abroad. You must act now to stop this dangerous political sideshow before it causes further harm to the credibility of our city government—something I am fighting with all my might to preserve and restore. This moment demands moral courage and responsibility, not silence."
CBS News Detroit has been told that an outside firm is handling the investigation. The city's deputy police chief is serving as the department's interim chief.
Michigan State Police First Lt. Mike Shaw said that MSP is not involved in any investigation.
The FBI confirmed that it was in Hamtramck Friday morning, "conducting law enforcement activities."
In a statement provided to CBS News Detroit, Altaheri said, "I call on the Wayne County Sheriff's Office, State Police and FBI to follow up on these false accusations and all those behind these fabricated stories."
CBS News Detroit reached out to Hamtramck Mayor Amer Ghalib and all six members of the Hamtramck City Council for comment.
