The Eagle

Aide to imprisoned Inkster mayor admits lying to federal agents

The former executive assistant of imprisoned Inkster Mayor Patrick Wimberly entered a guilty plea last week to charges he lied to federal agents during their investigation into Wimberly’s bribery scheme

Saif Alsenad, 33, of Dearborn Heights, served as Wimberly’s executive assistant from May 2021 through June 2023. According to prosecutors’ claims, Alsenad lied to FBI agents and told them he was not aware that Wimberly had corruptly solicited, demanded, and agreed to accept $100,000 with the intent to assist an investor in acquiring a vacant 13-acre parcel owned by the city of Inkster. At the time he made the statements, prosecutors alleged Alsenad knew the claims were false because he knew Wimberly had agreed to accept cash bribes in exchange for Wimberly’s assistance in obtaining the parcel of land for the developer. Alsenad was charged with making a false statement or representation to a department or agency of the United States, a violation of 18 U.S.C. § 1001(a)(2). This charge carries a maximum sentence of 5 years’ imprisonment and a fine of $250,000. His plea agreement was taken under advisement, and sentencing is set for Jan. 14, according to federal court records.

In September 2024, Wimberly pleaded guilty to agreeing to accept $100,000 in cash bribes. He was sentenced to 24 months’ imprisonment following an investigation that federal prosecutors said involved transfers of money at a strip club, a Detroit bar, and the driveway of his home.

“When law enforcement officers are investigating a crime, lying to them to help shield the offender is never the right decision. This is especially true when those involved are government officials who have a duty to serve the public’s interest, not their own,” said United States Attorney Jerome F. Gorgon, Jr.

"Today’s guilty plea by Saif Alsenad demonstrates the FBI’s steadfast commitment to investigate those who undermine the public’s trust, regardless of their position or influence,” said Reuben Coleman, Acting Special Agent in Charge of the FBI Detroit Field Office. “Working for an elected official does not exempt anyone from accountability when engaging in public corruption. I want to thank the members of the FBI Detroit Area Corruption Task Force for their outstanding investigative work throughout this investigation.”

The investigation of this case was conducted by the Federal Bureau of Investigation. The case is being prosecuted by Assistant U.S. Attorney Eaton P. Brown.

Alsenad was charged Aug. 14 in an information in federal court. He resigned as director of government and public affairs for Wayne County on Aug. 4. Alsenad was hired by Wimberly in 2019. According to court records, a local investor met with Alsenad in 2022 to inquire about buying a vacant, city-owned property. Prosecutors allege that Alsenad told the investor and a second person interested in purchasing the property that Wimberly expected a payment of $100,000 to ensure the sale and the necessary permits.

Wimberly was convicted of accepting cash bribes ranging from $5,000 to $10,000 from Nov. 18, 2022, through April 4, 2023, totaling $50,000. Alsenad told FBI agents during an October 2024 interview that he "never saw anything weird" during his employment with Wimberly, according to court documents.

Alsenad did not benefit financially from the bribes, according to the plea agreement.