The former Pontiac fire chief pleaded not guilty today to charges of bribery and racketeering related to accusations he offered to ignore code violations at a local restaurant in 2009 in exchange for $1,000.
Jeffrey Hawkins, 46, appeared in court wearing a blue shirt and black pants. He was chained and handcuffed and smiled during the hearing. He was charged Monday by the attorney general's public integrity unit following an FBI investigation and decision to hand over the case to the state, said Hawkins' attorney Elbert Hatchett. Hawkins turned himself into police this morning.
"He does not feel that it is a serious charge or threat to his freedom," said Hatchett after the arraignment, in which Judge Michael Martinez ordered Hawkins pay a $5,000 personal bond and wear a GPS tether.
Hawkins, 46, is accused of asking the owner of Little David's Island Bar on East Kennett Road for cash in August 2009 in exchange for not citing fire code and city code violations that would have otherwise shuttered the restaurant. Attorney General Bill Schuette said the owner contacted the FBI, who set up a $500 payment with an undercover investigator. Schuette said the owner also gave Hawkins $500.
The charges include two counts of accepting a bribe as a public officer, which carries up to a 10-year prison sentence and $5,000 in fines, and one count of racketeering, a felony of up to 20 years in prison and a $5,000 fine. Conviction on any charge could keep Hawkins out of public office for life.
Hawkins left his position as fire chief about one year ago, and told Martinez that he is currently working as a chef on a movie set in Pontiac. The terms of his bond include giving up his passport. He will appear in court again on Nov. 22.
McClatchy-Tribune News Service
