Inspector General extends interim suspensions for contractor tied to criminal probe

The Office of Inspector General told Detroit City Council’s Internal Operations committee on Jan. 21 that it is continuing interim suspensions on a city contractor and the contractor’s owner while a debarment investigation proceeds alongside a Detroit Police criminal fraud probe.

The inspector general, speaking to the committee, said the suspensions—originally issued Sept. 11—have been extended for a second time and the current extension will expire on Feb. 9, 2026. Under section 17.536 A–B of the city’s debarment ordinance, the OIG may impose an initial 90‑day interim suspension and then extend it for up to three additional 30‑day periods; the OIG confirmed it may use all three extensions if necessary.

“Because our debarment investigation of Mr. McKinney and [the contractor] is still ongoing, we are continuing our suspension,” the inspector general said, adding that the OIG typically allows a concurrent criminal investigation to proceed before concluding its administrative debarment work. The inspector general also said the Detroit Police Department has opened an active criminal fraud investigation into the contractor and its owner and that OIG staff were aware of that probe during a November appeal hearing.

Committee members asked whether additional extensions would be requested after the current extension expires. The inspector general said the agency can use its available extensions, and estimated that, based on typical investigatory and prosecutorial timelines, it was likely the OIG would need the remaining extension time rather than finish the investigation immediately.

Committee members also pressed the OIG on whether suspended vendors might become eligible for contracts once an interim suspension lapses. The inspector general said that technically, after an interim suspension expires the vendor could again be eligible for award, but that practical safeguards—such as administrative holds or procurement‑level controls—are appropriate while investigations continue.

The committee received the OIG briefing; there was no public vote on the suspension at that meeting. The OIG said it had transmitted the suspension notice to council, the corporation counsel, the Office of Contracting and Procurement and the mayor’s office as required by ordinance.

What happens next: The current extension runs through early February 2026; the OIG said it could seek the remaining statutory extension if the investigation is not complete and that procurement staff should avoid processing or approving awards to the suspended contractor while the investigations remain open.