(CBS DETROIT) — The former mayor of Taylor has been sentenced to six years in prison for bank fraud and bribery involving the seizure of homes.
Federal officials say Richard Sollars used his role to recommend Realty Transition owner Shady Awad to get tax-foreclosed properties in the city. In return, Sollars received bribes totaling more than $85,000, including cash and home renovations.
Solar energy pleaded guilty to corruption in August 2023.
He was also accused of using money donated to his campaign for personal use. Officials say he has instructed his campaign treasurer to deliver signed blank checks to Hadir Altoon, owner of Dominick’s Market. Altoon then prepared false invoices and handed Sollars a portion of the proceeds, totaling more than $70,000.
Solarrs lost a 2021 re-election bid while under indictment.
“As Mayor of the City of Taylor, Sollars pledged to represent the best interests of the citizens he represented and the voters who supported him. Instead, he used his elected office to award city contracts and spend campaign funds for his own personal financial purposes. enrichment,” U.S. Attorney Dawn Ison said in a statement. “The conviction and sentencing of Solarrs demonstrate my office’s commitment to ensuring that elected officials who put their own greed ahead of their duties to citizens in the community will be held accountable for their breach of trust.”
