UPDATE: An alarming investigation has revealed that a nearly $450,000 taxpayer-funded contract awarded to Zaydlogix LLC, a company owned by a current Oakland County employee, violated both state law and county policy. This shocking development raises serious questions about accountability within the county government.
The findings of an independent investigation were presented just this morning at a county committee meeting, igniting outrage among county leaders who claim they were blindsided by the sudden disclosure. Notably, the results were classified as a communication, preventing a full board discussion. As a consequence, the full extent of this controversy remains obscured from public scrutiny.
The contract pertains to the Courts and Law Enforcement Management Information System (CLEMIS), a crucial tool relied upon daily by police officers, sheriff’s deputies, and court officials to share vital information, including criminal histories and 911 call data. With such a significant role in public safety, the implications of this contract violation are profound.
Commissioner Michael Spisz (R-Oxford) expressed dismay, stating, “Everybody that was involved with that discussion should have known better.” His comments reflect a growing frustration among officials demanding clarity on the $450,000 Zaydlogix LLC IT staffing contract, which was abruptly canceled following a whistleblower’s alert in early July.
The whistleblower’s email prompted an immediate investigation led by the law firm Miller, Canfield, Paddock & Stone, who were paid $17,836 to conduct a thorough review. However, the investigation’s complete findings have yet to be released, raising additional concerns about transparency. Only a brief summary of the report was shared, which has sparked skepticism among commissioners like Kristen Nelson (D-Waterford), who remarked, “I have never received a filtered report.”
Despite the gravity of the situation, county officials, including Deputy County Executive Sean Carlson, indicated that there is no evidence of a fraudulent scheme or price rigging. Carlson acknowledged the violation, stating, “This is a pretty black and white violation of state law.” However, no formal referral to law enforcement has been made, leaving many unanswered questions.
As Oakland County grapples with this controversy, the public is left to wonder about the integrity of its leadership and the safety of its systems. The need for accountability is more urgent than ever, as residents demand answers regarding the misuse of taxpayer dollars.
This developing story will continue to unfold, and residents should stay tuned for updates as more information becomes available.
For those with insights or information, please reach out to investigative reporter Heather Catallo at [email protected].
