A Warren-based construction company, Den-Man Contractors, has been fined $4.7 million and banned from doing business in Detroit for the next 20 years. This decision follows a six-year investigation revealing that the company used contaminated dirt for filling demolition sites and charged the city for it.
Investigation Details
Detroit’s inspector general, Ellen Ha, led the investigation, which uncovered that Den-Man used dirt from the I-96 and I-94 reconstruction projects and various commercial properties to fill holes left after demolishing vacant homes.
This dirt contained toxic materials, including arsenic and mercury. Despite knowing the contamination, Den-Man continued to use this dirt for about 90 residential properties in Detroit over two years, all while receiving millions of dollars in city contracts.
Detroit Police Address Violent Start to June
Detroit police are ramping up efforts to combat gun violence following a particularly violent start to June, where multiple people were shot during the first weekend.
Police Chief James White discussed the measures being taken, highlighting the “One Detroit” initiative. This initiative is a collaborative effort among various law enforcement agencies, led by U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison, aiming to prosecute serious gun-related offenses federally, especially those involving Glock switches.
Chief White stressed that the initiative would expand beyond the 8th and 9th Precincts, typically the most violent areas in the city, to ensure a safer summer for all Detroit residents.
Distracted Driver Arraigned for Fatal Crash
Courtney Ellise Niezgoda, 27, was arraigned this week for causing a fatal crash in Washington Township earlier this year. According to the Macomb County Sheriff’s Office, Niezgoda was using her phone when she ran a red light at M-53 and 32 Mile Road on February 12, leading to the death of Tina Yaney.
While Niezgoda claimed she was using her phone’s GPS, Sheriff Anthony Wickersham stated she was actually watching a movie. Niezgoda faces charges of reckless driving causing death.