Former US Attorney to Run Troubled Michigan County That Includes Detroit
Beset in recent years by issues concerning officials as well as a number of attorneys, the leaders of Wayne County, Mich., have made some changes.
Following the resignation of a top aide, County Executive Robert Ficano has appointed former U.S. Attorney Jeffrey Collins, 52, to take his place, reports the Detroit Free Press.
The county’s top lawyer, Marianne Talon, has also resigned, after being suspended without pay last month, along with the ex-aide, Azzam Elder, concerning a $200,000 severance payment to another ex-official. The money has been repaid to the county, but an investigation continues.
Another Free Press article describes Collins, a criminal defense attorney who also formerly served on the state-court bench, as low-key and likable. However, his hands-off management style sometimes frustrated his staff, the article says.
He got his law degree in 1984 from Howard University.
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