Taylor, Michigan: Former Mayor Set to Face Sentencing for Fraud Charges
Located in the heart of Wayne County, Taylor has seen its fair share of leadership challenges. The city is now on the brink of a significant legal decision involving its former mayor, Rick Sollars. Residents are waiting with bated breath as Sollars prepares to learn his fate regarding wire fraud and conspiracy to commit bribery, charges he pleaded guilty to last year.
What Led to the Charges?
The details surrounding the charges against Sollars reveal a concerning story of power misused. From 2016 to 2018, Sollars leveraged his position as mayor to tip the scales in favor of a particular real estate developer, Shady Awad. With influence and authority, Sollars recommended Awad’s company, Realty Transition, to the Taylor City Council for the majority of tax-foreclosed properties under a program known as the Right of Refusal.
This program was meant to empower the city of Taylor by allowing it to acquire properties that faced tax foreclosure from Wayne County, paving the way for redevelopment. However, instead of focusing on the city’s best interests, Sollars had an ulterior motive. Federal authorities highlighted that he expected to receive various rewards, including free home renovations at his personal residence, office, and lake house, thanks to his backdoor dealings with Awad.
The Campaign Fraud
But there was more to the story than real estate improprieties. As he sought re-election, Sollars set up a campaign account under the title “Committee to Elect Richard Sollars, Jr..” Unfortunately, he turned this account into a vehicle for personal gain. He defrauded his campaign donors by diverting funds that were originally meant for his political campaign into his pockets.
The scheme thickens with the involvement of his campaign treasurer, who was instructed by Sollars to provide him with a signed blank check. That blank check was then made out to Dominick’s Market for a hefty sum of $5,600. This payment was falsely presented as a reimbursement for catering services rendered during a 2018 Super Bowl party held at City Hall.
However, the owner of Dominick’s Market, Hadir Altoon, created a false invoice to back up the claim of providing those services. In reality, Dominick’s Market never catered the event. Instead, the market cashed the check and handed over a portion of the funds directly to Sollars for personal use.
Consequences Looming
As the clock ticks down to Tuesday’s sentencing, Sollars faces a maximum potential sentence of 20 years in prison. However, due to his plea deal, he is likely to receive a sentence no longer than 71 months behind bars. This outcome has raised various opinions among residents of Taylor, many of whom feel a mix of betrayal and disbelief. How could a former mayor, someone entrusted with leading their community, misuse his position for personal gain?
The case serves as a reminder of the importance of accountability in leadership and the need for vigilance within local government. Taylor residents are left wondering how their city will move forward from this situation and what measures will be implemented to prevent future abuses of power.
A Community’s Reflection
As the official sentencing day approaches and residents prepare for what comes next, the overarching sentiment in Taylor remains clear: leadership should serve the community, not exploit it. With the legal proceedings against Sollars coming to a close, Taylor is poised to initiate a period of reflection and renewal in hopes of restoring faith in public service.
Time will tell how this situation will shape the future of Taylor, but for now, it’s apparent that the actions of one man can impact an entire community.
