Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan | Department of Justice
Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., U.S. Attorney’s Office for the Eastern District of Michigan | Department of Justice
A former executive assistant to the mayor of Inkster, Michigan, has pleaded guilty to making false statements to federal agents during an investigation into a bribery scheme involving former Mayor Patrick Wimberly. The announcement was made by United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr., alongside Reuben Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the Detroit Division of the Federal Bureau of Investigation.
Saif Alsenad, 33, from Dearborn Heights, served as Wimberly’s executive assistant between May 2021 and June 2023. According to court documents, Alsenad lied to FBI agents in October 2024 by denying knowledge that Wimberly had solicited and agreed to accept $100,000 in exchange for helping an investor acquire a vacant 13-acre parcel owned by the city. Prosecutors stated that Alsenad knew his statements were false because he was aware of Wimberly’s agreement to accept cash bribes for facilitating the land deal.
Alsenad was charged under 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2) for making a false statement or representation to a department or agency of the United States. This offense carries a maximum penalty of five years in prison and a fine up to $250,000.
Former Mayor Patrick Wimberly pleaded guilty in September 2024 to accepting $100,000 in bribes and received a sentence of 24 months’ imprisonment.
“When law enforcement officers are investigating a crime, lying to them to help shield the offender is never the right decision. This is especially true when those involved are government officials who have a duty to serve the public’s interest, not their own,” said Gorgon.
"Today’s guilty plea by Saif Alsenad demonstrates the FBI’s steadfast commitment to investigate those who undermine the public’s trust, regardless of their position or influence,” said Reuben Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “Working for an elected official does not exempt anyone from accountability when engaging in public corruption. I want to thank the members of the FBI Detroit Area Corruption Task Force for their outstanding investigative work throughout this investigation.”
The Federal Bureau of Investigation led the investigation into this case. Assistant U.S. Attorney Eaton P. Brown is prosecuting.
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