There have been lots of delays in the federal trial of Detroit City Councilman Gabe Leland who was indicted in October 2018 for allegedly shaking down a businessman in a bribery scheme.
Now, Leland's bribery case could end with a plea deal — or a new felony charge in state court, reports M.L. Elrick of the Detroit Free Press.
Leland, who continues to sit on council, was indicted on three counts of bribery on Oct. 4, 2018 for allegedly demanding $15,000 in May 2017 from businessman Bob Carmack in a land dispute with the city.
Court records signed by prosecutors and Leland's attorney Steve Fishman say “the parties have discussed a resolution of the matter and need additional time to determine whether a resolution is possible.”
The matter could even be resolved in state court, after the federal government asked a Michigan prosecutor to take the case. That could result in a lesser charge. Monroe County Michael Roehrig is reviewing the feds' evidence and considering whether to charge Leland, Elrick reports.
Fishman declined to comment on the delay and any possible plea, beyond telling the Freep: "That is boiler-plate language that appears in any number of stipulated orders adjourning trials in federal court."
The latest trial date is Aug. 17.
