Detroit Whistleblower Alleges Retaliation

DETROIT (CN) - A former inspector for Detroit's Department of Public Works claims he was fired for reporting that the city lied on grant applications to try to speed up disbursement of federal highway funds.

As an inspector, Michael Kostecke reviewed work on two roadway projects along the Detroit River near the Riverwalk development. General Motors was supposed to donate the land for the projects, according to Kostecke's lawsuit in the 3rd Circuit Court.

However, "in an effort to accelerate the federal grant disbursement process," the city allegedly lied to the Michigan Department of Transportation and the Federal Highway Administration, claiming the land had already been deeded when it still belonged to GM.

When the plaintiff voiced his concerns and refused to sign off on the plans, he says the city fired him, despite a "glowing" performance evaluation only months earlier.

Kostecke is represented by John J. Conway.

Subscribe to Closing Arguments

Sign up for new weekly newsletter Closing Arguments to get the latest about ongoing trials, major litigation and hot cases and rulings in courthouses around the U.S. and the world.

Email *

Submit