Two ex-Detroit cops get prison for pocketing bribes from collision shops

Two former Detroit police officers are heading to prison for pocketing cash bribes from collision shop owners in exchange for steering business their way and warning them about law enforcement activity.

The defendants are among six officers ensnared in a federal police corruption investigation. Of those, five have cut deals with the government; one awaits trial.

The latest to be punished for their crimes are: former DPD officer James Robertson, 45, who was sentenced to two years in prison for accepting two separate $1,000 bribes in exchange for referring abandoned vehicles to collision shops; ex-DPD officer Marty Tutt, 30, received a one-year sentence for accepting two $500 cash bribes from collision shops for referring them customers who owned abandoned vehicles.

Both were sentenced on Tuesday by U.S. District Judge Robert Cleland after previously pleading guilty to extortion.

Their sentences come one month after former DPD officer Anthony Careathers, 52, was sentenced to two years in prison for a similar crime. He pleaded guilty to extortion last June, admitting he accepted a $1,500 cash bribe from an auto collision shop in exchange for referring an abandoned vehicle to the shop for repairs. He retired in January.

The other defendants are:

Jamil Martin, 46, who has pleaded guilty to extortion.

Charles Wills, 52, who has pleaded guilty to extortion.

Deonne Dotson, 45, is awaiting trial.



“These defendants are an unfortunate exception to the majority of Detroit Police Officers who are courageous, dedicated public servants,” U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider said in a statement. "The misconduct and abuse of authority displayed by these officers is unfortunate, and contrasts with the commitment to the rule of law demonstrated by the vast majority of the men and women of the Detroit Police Department each day."

Detroit Police Chief James Craig was not readily available for comment, but has previously expressed frustration in the officers' actions.

"While these are some troubling allegations — when you talk about extortion involving Detroit police officers — I am pleased that there's some closure. We believe that we can finally close this chapter," Craig has previously stated.

Read more:

Former Detroit officer sentenced to 2 years in bribery case

6 Detroit cops charged in bribery scandal involving collision shops; 4 cut deals months ago

The DPD corruption charges came amid a broader public corruption probe that has so far triggered charges against 20 individuals, including towing titan Gasper Fiore.

Fiore has been accused of — among other things — paying bribes to public officials for help in securing towing contracts in their municipalities. Fiore pleaded guilty late last year to bribery and awaits sentencing.

Nasser Beydoun, a representative of the Fiore family, has previously told the Free Press that Fiore is not affiliated with the case involving the six officers.

Free Press reporter Ann Zaniewski contributed to this report. Tresa Baldas can be reached at tbaldas@freepress.com. Follow her on Twitter @Tbaldas