Today three Detroit Public Schools principals were arraigned in connection to the federal case announced last week.
The U.S. Attorney announced charges against 14 people - including a Detroit Public Schools vendor, assistant superintendent, and 12 principals.
The three, arraigned on conspiracy to commit bribery charges, include 62-year-old Stanley Johnson of Southfield. He was principal at Hutchinson Elementary. He is accused of taking $84,170 from a school vendor.
Fifty-two-year-old Nina Graves-Hicks of Detroit is accused of taking $27,385 when she was principal of Davis Aerospace Technical High School.
Fifty-year-old James Hearn of West Bloomfield is accused of taking $11,500 while principal of Marcus Garvey Academy.
“He's obviously remorseful for what is going on with the whole situation,” said Jeff Cojocar, James Hearn’s Defense attorney.
All three now ex-principals waived their right to force the U.S. Attorney to seek an indictment. They are facing an information. It is a different process. U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade said the hope is to discuss deals and avoid trials.
If convicted they face up to 5 years in prison plus fines. The bond for all three ex principals was set at $10,000.
