Great Lakes Wire

The Michigan Economic Development Corporation (MEDC) in Lansing was the focus of a search by the Attorney General’s office on Wednesday. The operation is believed to be linked to state grants managed by the organization.

Otis McKinley, MEDC's media and communications manager, stated that the department has been "fully and voluntarily cooperating" with the investigation for over two years. He remarked, "Today’s actions were unwarranted and unnecessary. We have no additional comment at this time."

Danny Wimmer, press secretary for the Attorney General, confirmed that a private residence in Farmington Hills was also searched as part of an ongoing investigation. Wimmer added, "At this time, we are not able to provide any further information."

Wimmer did not confirm if these actions are related to Attorney General Dana Nessel's investigation into a $20 million grant awarded to Fey Bydoun. Bydoun has not been charged with any crime.

According to reports from The Detroit Free Press, police vehicles were seen outside Bydoun’s home in Farmington Hills mid-morning, and file boxes were allegedly removed from the property. Attempts to get comments from Farmington Hills police were unsuccessful.

Bydoun's grant is one of two under scrutiny by Nessel’s office. The other involves funds allocated to Gavin Brown for an aerospace project led by the Michigan Aerospace Manufacturers Association.

McKinley did not specify what items investigators seized during their search. However, The Detroit News reported that an email from Michelle Grinnell, MEDC's chief communications officer, mentioned that some employees’ phones had been “collected” by investigators.

Bydoun was previously on the MEDC Executive Committee when she received her grant and drew attention last year for spending $4,500 of state funds on a coffee maker. Governor Gretchen Whitmer subsequently removed her from the committee.