The vote took place after the Wayne County Commission met on Tuesday, Sept. 1 for a robust discussion about the investigation’s findings, which was initiated after multiple complaints were filed with DWIHN’s compliance office about Ruth’s actions when she was acting in her official capacity as a board member, including as the board’s chairperson.

Ruth attended the commission meeting on Thursday and was emotional as she spoke about her passion for working with children and individuals who struggle with mental health. Her attorney Rodney Johnson spoke on her behalf at the meeting two days prior when the findings were presented to the county commission, during which multiple people said Ruth wasn’t cooperative with the investigation and ignored opportunities to respond to the allegations. Ruth’s attorney wasn’t present when the commission voted on her removal.

This is the second investigation Ruth has faced since she was appointed to the board in 2019. The first investigation was initiated shortly after she became chair in 2023 and was handled by Butzel Long.

DWIHN recently hired Flannery Georgalis, LLC to investigate three complaints alleging Ruth caused public confrontations with staff and community members on multiple occasions, potentially impersonated her son in a catfish-like incident, and used her position on the board as leverage.

Two police reports were filed against Ruth and at least one complainant has sought a personal protection order.

The allegations from the latest investigation:

• Ruth escalated a confrontation with another employee in DWIHN’s lobby in October 2025, which witnesses alleged hearing her say she was “glad she didn’t have her weapon today.” According to her attorney, the disagreement was over a comment made to her son during a board meeting. The investigation couldn’t determine whether Ruth was in possession of a weapon at the time she made the comment, but her alleged remark implied that she wasn’t.

• Ruth pretended to be her son when she sent text messages in a group chat, which included her and CEO James White’s official DWIHN photographs.

• Ruth was allegedly banned from attending events at Ferndale High School after confrontations with school personnel

• Community members alleged they witnessed Ruth causing disturbances at restaurants, which resulted in her being removed from an establishment

The latest investigation concluded that Ruth’s conduct violated DWIHN’s Standards of Conduct and the board’s policies which state members must act honestly, lawfully, and in the best interest of the organization and the people it serves.

“The firm’s 2026 investigation found that Ms. Ruth’s conduct from 2023 onwards demonstrates a consistent pattern inconsistent with service as a DWIHN board member,” a representative for the firm said during the Sept. 1 meeting.

[The above screenshots are the slideshow presented during the Sept. 1 Wayne County Commission meeting]

In addition to witness testimony, video evidence, and prior investigation reports, the findings were also supported by testimony that revealed Ruth’s family and friends were concerned about her “erratic behavior, possession of firearms, and potential for future violence to occur,” Flannery Georgalis’ representative said.

Butzel Long’s investigation in 2023 involved similar allegations — Ruth was visibly intoxicated at the Mackinac Policy Conference, caused a public confrontation at Michigan Chronicle’s Men of Excellence awards event in June of 2023, and made “rude and condescending comments” to DWIHN employees.

Strict disciplinary action wasn’t taken following the 2023 investigation and instead, DWIHN took progressive disciplinary action and reviewed the board’s policies for members’ conduct and disciplinary procedures. A representative for Flanner Georgalis said the agency “didn’t want to subject Ms. Ruth to harsh discipline at the time.”

“If it’s not addressed, if she remains on that Board of Directors, we’re setting ourselves up for possible litigation because the complaints are still coming in.” DWIHN Board Secretary Angelo Glenn said, adding that 2 complaints are still under investigation. Glenn has served on the board since 2013.

Ruth told commissioners before they voted on her removal that she filed a complaint with the Board of Ethics in August against Glenn, and felt his testimony during the Sept. 1 meeting was retaliatory.

Ruth’s attorney Rodney Johnson said during the Sept. 1 meeting that his client believes it’s a personal matter, not professional, and she has suspicions that her “soon-to-be ex-husband” was making their private business a public affair. Ruth sought a personal protection order against her soon-to-be-ex, according to Johnson.

Flannery Georgalis confirmed Ms. Ruth’s husband wasn’t a complainant, but they knew her in either a personal or professional capacity. “I can say unequivocally that Ms. Ruth’s husband… was not one of the community members that we spoke to,” a representative speaking on behalf of the firm said during the meeting.

Some incidents occurred while she was serving in her official capacity as a DWIHN board member, according to Commissioner Jonathan Kinloch, who currently serves as the chair of DWIHN’s Board of Directors.

“She did not pay her way up there,” Kinloch said about the Mackinac Policy Conference, “that was paid by DWIHN. She was acting in her official capacity.”

Commissioner Terri Marecki (Livonia) pushed back on Johnson’s characterization of the circumstances and asked if he believes it was personal when she was visibly intoxicated during the Mackinac Policy Conference and Michigan Chronicle’s Men of Excellence award event, or when she was banned from Ferndale High School events.

Johnson said he wasn’t aware of allegations stemming from the policy conference or awards event and declined to speak on those matters. As for the others, he felt some of the allegations were “far-fetched” and “a little out of the ordinary,” such as the catfishing incident.

“Without knowing who is bringing the allegation and whether it is more than one person, it’s hard to answer that question,” Johnson responded.

All of the complaints in 2023 and 2026 were filed and handled by DWIHN’s compliance office and were not initiated or requested by the board, the board wasn’t informed about the investigation until it concluded, according to Kinloch.

“The board didn’t know anything about any of this until after the investigations were completed,” Kinloch said, adding that the board’s rules don’t allow members to be informed about investigations until they’ve concluded.

Minutes from DWIHN’s April 15 board meeting show that, on the same day he assumed the role of chair, Kinloch motioned to walk two legal matters on to the agenda, one of which was a resolution waiving attorney-client privilege on the 2023 Butzel Long report.

After the board waived privilege, the minutes show Kinloch informed the board that the report would be forwarded to the Wayne County Commission.

Although the board approved a motion to waive attorney-client privilege for the 2023 report, it doesn’t appear, based on meeting minutes available on DWIHN’s website, that the board agreed to do the same for the 2026 investigation, or that members agreed to forward the matter to the county commission for the specific purpose of her removal from the board, or aware the commission would be taking any action. However, Kinloch said during the Sept. 1 meeting that the board’s executive committee felt the findings were concerning enough to forward the report to the county commission for Ruth’s removal.

Details related to the executive committee’s discussion about Ruth’s removal could not be verified in meeting records available on DWIHN’s website at the time this article was published.

Ruth said during the April board meeting that she asked twice last year for the report to be forwarded to her attorney, which was declined, and expressed concern that she wasn’t being given an opportunity to review the report before it was made publicly available.

“Ms. Ruth noted she wished she would have been advised to bring her legal counsel, but it would be handled,” the minutes state.

“I think Ms. Ruth has an obligation to respond to allegations of an official investigation,” Commissioner Alex Garza said during the Sept. 1 meeting, “Second, I think she has a responsibility and accountability to this honorable body. These positions that are held by any member appointed by this body has an obligation to come to this body in order to respond to allegations.”

Ruth didn’t respond or participate in either investigation, according to multiple people informed on the matter who said she was offered multiple opportunities to do so beginning in March. Wayne County Commission Chair Alisha Bell said the county had been unsuccessful in its efforts to accommodate Ruth since May, including the Sept. 1 meeting which she wasn’t in attendance for.

“It’s very shocking to me, just as a member of this commission, that Ms. Ruth has not come forward to talk about this, especially to the body that appointed her to this position,” Garza said.

All but one commissioner who abstained voted in favor of Ruth’s removal during the Sept. 3 meeting.

Unfortunately, they left out an important detail — El-Sayed planned to continue working for the county.

El-Sayed’s resignation was effective Aug. 3 and 8 days later, his consulting business AME Higher LLC signed a $72,000 contract with the county to continue leading the department — a detail county officials and El-Sayed failed to disclose to taxpayers.

According to the contract’s scope of work, El-Sayed would provide support to the county executive, chief operating officer, and the health department “to ensure a smooth and effective leadership transition.”

“By leveraging expertise in municipal governance, public health, data strategy, and media engagement, AME Higher will help position HHVS for sustained impact and success in serving the residents of Wayne County,” the contract states.

The scope of work included programmatic, data, media, and funding strategies to ensure “continuity and innovation” in the health department.

Additionally, per the contract’s scope of work, AME would develop and execute media strategies around program launches and health initiatives, provide crisis communication support, messaging guidance to ensure the department is “prepared to engage with the public and media effectively,” and support the development of “key messages, press releases, and communication materials to highlight HHVS’s impact and priorities.”

Based on a review of meeting agendas and minutes, it doesn’t appear the contract was ever approved by the Wayne County Commission.

A purchase order for the contract indicates the work was billed to the health department.

According to invoices the county provided in response to a FOIA request, El-Sayed submitted four separate invoices for $9,000 each between August and December 2025.

Most of the services provided were categorized as “HHVS Leadership Support & Operational Guidance,” and included meetings with health department employees and partner outreach.

Several programs were mentioned in the invoices including RxKids, Just Air’s air quality monitoring program, operating support for the Medical Examiners Office, making phone calls related to the expansion of a Detroit program, among others.

AME billed taxpayers for around 20 hours of “Data & Quality Strategy Advising” services; 9 hours of “County Executive Leadership Support”; and 5 hours of “Media & Communications Support” — all while he was actively campaigning for the U.S. Senate.

The contract and subsequent invoices raise questions about the use of taxpayer funds for political influence

A contract to steer media coverage about HHVS’ impact would directly benefit El-Sayed as he campaigns for the U.S. Senate, especially considering he’s used the work he did for the county to boost his credibility in the eyes of voters.

In August, the same month he and other public officials spoke at a press conference about toxic hazardous waste at Wayne Disposal, Inc. in Van Buren Township, he billed taxpayers for “WDI-related correspondence” and 4.5 hours of media-related support. The media reports that followed referred to El-Sayed as a candidate for U.S. Senate, not a consultant for the county.

In November, the same month county officials held a press conference about the launch of RxKids in six cities, El-Sayed billed taxpayers for 2 hours of “County Executive Leadership Support” related to RxKids.

During the press conference, County Executive Warren Evans credited El-Sayed for bringing the “bright idea” to him.

El-Sayed “hounded me and we worked like the devil to get this thing done,” Evans said, adding that he’s “tremendously important to this program. Not just his technical ability, but his passion to do things for kids.”

El-Sayed then posted a video clip on social media of Evans’ special shoutout, presumably to highlight his work for the county, and ultimately benefiting his campaign.

When the City of Detroit launched its RxKids program in January, El-Sayed said he worked with Dr. Mona Hanna to bring the program to the city. Meanwhile, his invoices for December show he billed county taxpayers for 4 hours of “Detroit program expansion funding calls.”

Deficiencies in the county’s ethics ordinance

The county’s ethics ordinance currently prohibits elected officials from entering into a contract with the county within one year of employment but it doesn’t prohibit “public servants”, such as department directors, from doing so.

It does, however, prohibit public servants from knowingly using confidential information for “actual or anticipated personal gain.”

The ordinance defines “public servant” as an employee or contractor. “Confidential information” is defined as “information that is available to or derived from a public servant only because of their status as a public servant of the county and which is not a matter of public knowledge.”

Ethics ordinances usually focus on information provided, rather than withheld, and therein lies an easily-exploitable loophole. In this case, the conduct in question involves information withheld from taxpayers about who’s leading the health department and the status of directors’ employment when they are actively campaigning for public office.

It might not be an ethics ordinance violation, but it’s certainly a “politrick.”

Beyond the technicalities and interpretations of the county’s unenforceable ethics ordinance is a question of whether county officials knowingly misled taxpayers, as well as voters residing outside of Wayne County, about El-Sayed’s role with the county.

After all, El-Sayed was a paid contractor when County Executive Evans referred to him as the “former health director” during a press conference, and credited him for the work he did as a contracted consultant, not just as director.

El-Sayed’s secret contract with the county also opens the door for a conversation about the various ways media coverage is politicized.

Share

Subscribe now

#3 will cover my notes from June 21-26.

During this period, the staffing shortage appears to reach a crisis as staff are forced to keep residents in their rooms. I noticed that radio traffic decreases significantly when residents are locked in their rooms, presumably because there’s less problems.

Supervision said there were staff in the building over 16 hours. At one point, the only 5 staff who worked overnight were mandated and a supervisor said there was a current need for 12.

A youth on suicide watch was left without supervision. Another youth is taken to the hospital for an unknown reason.

Sticky doors leave staff locked in the bathroom.

June 21

1:30a - JDS said pod doesn’t have any white cards

3:22a - JDS said “Can you send me home? I’m not feeling well.”

3:55a - JDS asked if he was mandated for the morning. Supervisor said they just had a call-in so “absolutely.”

4:01a - JDS said “I need someone to come let me out of this bathroom. This door sticks or whatever. This is my 2nd time getting locked in here.”

6:02a - JDS said he needs to make a phone call

10:07a - Staff mandated

2:27p - “I was trying to let him know it’s almost time to get out of here but he’s putting toilet paper up on his window.” Supervisor said they still have 15 mins and he’ll be done then to see

5:11p - JDS said she was mandated ½ way through her shift and asked if she can get relief to go make a phone call

9:53p - JDS [redacted name] said she thinks she better go to -?- The supervisor told her she doesn’t have relief for her at the moment but to come see her at the end of shift at 11 a.m. so she can fill out documentation. JDS said she could drive herself if need be. Or “I can give you his phone number and you can call my son and tell him to come pick me up because I did tell him I was mandated… because I did tell him I’m not.

11:26p - JDS said the 3A wand was in the bathroom on his pod

June 22

1:33p - crisis therapist requested on 2D

3:17p - JDS asked about staff for constant watch. There’s no staff over here for the constant watch. “Go ahead and sit on the 1-on-1 for me.”

4:09p - JDS said resident on 3C is requesting additional dinner because she was promised one because she didn’t receive a lunch. Supervisor said she isn’t aware of that and they don’t have extra dinners so she’ll have to look into it.

4:23p - JDS said resident has a jacket she’s unable to obtain.. Requested supervisor for assistance

4:35p - A resident is still shouting. Supervisor said let her know once she stops she can come out

4:43p - Cancel CODE 10 on 2C and requested any available nurse to come to the pod

5:30p - Boys pod were delayed going to the gym because of all the codes

6:23p - 3D has 5 residents. Albert Cleage just came out of the gym. Is there anyway 3D can go to the gym? They haven’t been today. Rec leader said 2D is going there now but he can get them in after 7 p.m.

6:53p - Rec leader said to make sure Netflix account is logged out because it’s one of the other residents

6:57p - Supervisor said she received an email from HR and asked JDS if she brought [redacted due to the personal nature of a personnel matter]

8:57p - Supervisor said she gave JDS 10-15 minutes at 8:35 and it’s almost 9 p.m. and she’s not back yet

10:03p - JDS said [redacted juvenile’s name] isn’t going in until he sees supervisor

11:31p - JDS [redacted name] asked to speak with a supervisor in their office. The supervisor told her it will have to wait until after she relieves Albert Cleage. “We currently have a day shift staff still in the building waiting for relief. She’s been in the facility for over 16 hours.” [redacted name] said she thinks she left her phone on top of her car. Master control said they’ll have to contact supervisor - that’s not master control’s authority

11:58p - JDS [redacted name] said she has to use the bathroom and it’s going to be a couple minutes but she wanted to let her know in advance.

June 23

2:52a - JDS [redacted name] asked if anyone could bring a lock for the water

3:17a - JDS: bathroom on Albert Cleage - don’t know if it was updated but shower drain is “stopped up”

3:50a - [redacted name] mandated and she said she was on the bottom of the list. Supervisor said “Everybody is mandated. There’s only 5 staff here for midnight and you were the last one here to be mandated. There’s a current need for 12.”

4:18a - JDS asked for 5-10 minute stretch because they are “dozing” right now

7:15a - JDS on 1A said she’s on a 16 and waiting for relief

7:17a - JDS said it’s his first time on Albert Cleage and asked what time to pop the doors, wake residents up to eat, etc. Supervisor said that residents aren’t to leave their rooms

7:58a - Supervisor [redacted name] of AFF(?) on the pod and he’s trying to figure out where the other girls are

8:26a - Resident on 2D said she has court today at 9:30a - Supervisor said she’ll check with admitting

9:08a - JDS asked if she’s merging pods (girls)

7:57p - JDS said she needed a second set of keys - she needs to unlock, or locked, her keys in the shower

10:03p - Resident is asking for crisis therapist on 3C

10:16p - Ms. [redacted name] to Supervisor [redacted name] - can you come check Room #6? It’s not secure

11:31p - JDS: the way I’m reading this green sheet on [redacted juvenile’s name], he might need somebody down here or you might need to come look at this green sheet.

June 24

No radio activity until 8:25a

8:25a - JDS said there’s a resident over here in one of the rooms and he’s saying he can’t breathe and he needs an inhaler. Might need a nurse over here.

12:43p - staff mandated

12:45p - [redacted name] mandated

3:26p - Supervisor said he’s on 3A and if he leaves they won’t be in ratio.

3:27p - JDS said “I need to go to the restroom, can someone please come get him from in front of the door?

3:40p - JDS warned the supervisor about a 1-on-1 - thinks there’s going to be a little bit of trouble with the staff they have over there. He’s just requesting either the supervisor or someone to just come over here.

3:41p - JDS said the boys on 1C don’t have any water - there’s no faucets or any way for them to get something to drink.

4:05p - There’s a resident on the pod that’s allergic to carrots and medical staff is aware of that, and her tray has carrots on it.

5:37p - A resident is having an issue with the rec leader because of his merit. Supervisor asked if he got his merit? JDS said “No, and – refusing to move?” Supervisor said “Well let that resident know that the rec leaders already told us in roll call, because we had the lock in today, they will receive their merit, they just have to be patient” JDS said Rec leaders are on pod and resident has issue with what he received for merits and is refusing to move from in front of the door.

6:05p - Supervisor gave JDS permission to let a resident out if she’s calm

9:03p - Supervisor/manager asked if someone could bring them master keys upstairs to the managers office

June 25

Note: no radio activity until 10 a.m.

11:52a - Crisis therapist requested on 2A

1:55p - JDS said a resident is looking for a supervisor and didn’t tell him what the situation was.

2:38p - Resident [redacted juvenile’s name] is out of his room, his time was up

5:45p - Resident just threw up and is complaining about not being able to breathe that well.

6:52p - Supervisor said she just received info that a resident is going to go to the hospital.

8:06p - Someone asked a supervisor where the staff on 3A is. Supervisor said she doesn’t know at the moment.

8:27p - New resident needs a snack and a juice.

8:52p - Supervisor asked two JDS if they want to volunteer for overtime at the hospital. One said no, the other said they don’t for the hospital but they’ll volunteer.

10:29p - Master control told JDS to make sure door to Room #5 is secure. JDS said there’s nobody in Room 5 and they’ve had problems with that door. The supervisor told JDS to be sure that all doors are free from obstructions.

10:59p - JDS needs radio battery immediately

June 26

9:45a - JDS asked if resident on 1C could go to 1B. Supervisor said to give him one second “to make sure there’s nothing going on over there.”

12:33p - Deputy [redacted name] is ready for the first pod to come out

No radio activity until 4:30p

4:36p - [redacted name] requested crisis therapist for debriefing

4:57p - trays are normally removed by 4:30p or so. If snacks are already there, it’s probably been chopped off. Best bet is grabbing that resident’s sandwiches and milk.

5:03p - Resident, [redacted juvenile’s name] said he’s gonna kill himself and said if he doesn’t talk to a crisis therapist, they’re gonna find his body hanging from the door. Asked for crisis therapist to come talk to him

5:06p - JDS requested a remote - Supervisor said none of the remotes are working which was reported out yesterday

5:22p - Mr. [redacted name] said he was told by leadership they’re bringing clothes every Tues/Thurs/Sat - residents should have items from this morning. JDS said the residents are saying they didn’t receive those items

6:34p - 3A requested nurse for resident who scrapped his knee

8:34p - JDS asked if two residents that were involved in an altercation were going to be able to take showers or just step down for the night? Supervisors said it was two young girls. And they can take showers tomorrow but it’s a wrap for tonight. Supervisor advised JDS to put that residents didn’t take a shower due to physical altercation and fighting (presumably in the log book)

10:21p - Supervisor [redacted name] asked 3A if they have an incident around 7:04p? Supervisor said she was just going to come to the pod instead of having him answer.

11:21p - confirmed resident has suicide gown and blanket on

11:46p - JDS advised supervisor they can’t find a blue wand

#2 covers my notes from June 16-20.

This week was interesting to say the least, and we’re just getting started.

We’re now in the 2-week period leading up to the arrest of a contractor who supplied weed gummies to youth inside the jail and three directors leaving their post, two of them being fired.

Over these next 10 days, you’ll see that youth were taken to the hospital. Given the time frame, it doesn’t appear this was related to the weed gummies situation. News reports said they were given on July 2.

The jail was still dealing with a staff shortage during this timeframe, and it seemed to get worse by the day. It eventually leads to youth being locked in their rooms, and staff begging for breaks, dozing off on the job, and not being able to take their medicine. It’s safe to say morale is very, very low.

Despite low morale, staff still looked out for youth and attempted to get them the help they needed before things escalated into a full-blown mental health crisis.

Staff discuss various issues like contaminated and “filthy” mattresses, youth touching multiple staff inappropriately, four restraints in one day, and the jail ran out of feminine products.

At one point, staff discovered a child who was on close suicide watch had items all of the items they weren’t supposed to have, because they could potentially harm themselves (I.e normal sheets, normal pillowcases, shoelaces, etc.).

What happens over the next few weeks it's eye-opening.

June 16

5:59a - staff mandated

6:06a - staff mandated

6:07a - JDS [redacted name] mandated. [redacted name] said she told her supervisor she has an emergency and needs to go to hospital once she leaves.

6:07a - JDS [redacted name] was mandated and she said she’s not feeling well and she was relieved late from hospital yesterday with no breaks. Supervisor: “Okay, you’re being mandated today for 7-3 shift. Standby for your assignment.”

9:01a - JDS said he’s the only staff on the pod right now and they’re going to be letting residents out soon. Asked what he should do. Supervisor said to document it in the book for right now. “They have to remain secure for right now until we get another staff.” She was unable to come down there because she was doing breaks on 2A.

9:13a - “Standby on the exiting of the residents right now. We’re still trying to find another staff to assist you all. Just document it in the log book please.”

9:38a - JDS asked Supervisor [redacted name] if they’re letting kids out of the pod or are we still standing by? He said he’s still on a pod and he’s trying to figure it out.

10:11a - Supervisor advised a pod that has 3 JDS on it that it’s time to let residents out of their pods

Note: residents are usually let out of their rooms around 7 a.m.

11:04a - JDS said a resident on 2C took a screw out of the “stopper” and he has the screw. They can’t get it from him. “It’s a lot” also wanted to know if the “mail” can just not be delivered here.

12:12p - JDS asked what was going on with breaks because she’s on 16 and “I need to get off this pod for a minute.” Supervisor said “Right now we have no additional staff but we have the hospital staff turning here shortly.”

12:37p - JDS [redacted name] asked for relief because she needs to leave

12:39p - JDS asked for a tray. Supervisor said she’s currently on a pod and that’s a negative.

1:07p - two JDS mandated. One said she’s the only person on 1A who hasn’t had a break

2:40p - Housekeeping cleaned and sanitized the pod and they said we couldn’t let residents out of their room until someone came and got their mattresses because they’re “contaminated.” Supervisor said they just have to make sure those rooms are secure and residents can come out of their room until “Reflection.” The mattresses are in contamination bags outside of the room.

3:22p - Supervisor told JDS that another staffer will be to the pod in 15 minutes and to keep residents down until the other staff gets there

6:16p - Crisis therapist requested in main gym

7:16p - Master control and a supervisor were discussing PSI on various floors and measuring changes.

9:02p - JDS [redacted name] said he needs two initials from Supervisor [redacted name] and one from Supervisor [redacted name] for ATC.

Note: The county commission approved a $9 million contract with ATC Healthcare Staffing LLC in Aug. 2024 to provide staff for the juvenile jail.

10:56p - Rooms 4, 6, and 7 need to be checked because control is showing it’s not secure. Asked JDS to check and make sure the locks aren’t stuffed. JDS said doors are secure. Master control said it’s not secure on his end and told the JDS he has to open them.

June 17

10:08a - JDS said she doesn’t think a resident on 2A received their meds, asked if med pass was already done

10:27a - Crisis response therapist requested on 1C for assistance going in his room

10:34a - JDS [redacted name] said her and [redacted name] have been here since last night “We’re struggling. We can’t keep our eyes open.” Requested a 10-15 min break.

10:57a - Supervisor directed several JDS to visit Director [redacted name] office to pick up their “package” after their shift.

11:07a - Supervisor told JDS that her kids’ dad was on the phone and said he has to take her baby to the hospital, asked her to call him.

1:39p - JDS said he has to notify his ride home that he’ll be mandated because he didn’t think he would be

2:20p - JDS told Supervisor resident in Room 16 just slapped her on her behind. And was trying to grab at other staff on her behind and her private area. Youth asked to use the bathroom and they put her down with a blue sheet.

5:37p - JDS said she had to use restraints on 3A and they need to do resident and staff debriefing.

6:05p - resident asked to speak with crisis therapist. JDS said a resident is “pretty frustrated” because she found out she isn’t going home. Rec leader [redacted name] asked her what resident it was. JDS said she can’t say their name over the radio. Rec leader snapped at JDS and said “You’re on line 2” and JDS reminded her that they can’t say residents’ names on Line 1 or Line 2

6:30p - nurse asked JDS if it was an emergency. JDS said the resident was in “serious pain right now” and had a brace on his arm. Thinks he already went to hospital for a possible broken arm but he’s still in a lot of pain

6:39p - Maintenance requested on 3C

7:01p - Master control said a door wasn’t secure and asked if it was stuffed. JDS said there was a lock code on the room PIN. Master control said he would reset it and advised JDS to have a young man step back. Master control said the room wasn’t secure at this point and the resident may have to be moved.

7:14p - JDS called for a nurse for a resident. There was an altercation in the gym and he needs to be looked at “he has a couple of knots we want you to look at.”

10:06p - JDS on 2D requested a green vest and the blanket that goes with it. If they don’t have a green blanket with it, then she asked for two green vests.

10:25p - JDS mandated “due to a late call off”

10:27p - another JDS was mandated and asked if she could pass on that because she hasn’t been able to take her medicine and hasn’t been off the pod to take a break and she’s in a lot of pain.

10:27p - Another JDS was mandated.

June 18

8:21a - JDS said she just took a resident from 2A to 2D but she’s refusing medical.

10:00a - CODE 2 on 2C

11:13a - JDS said a resident needs to see nurse before every meal for medical purposes.

11:27a - Resident on 2C is eating but doesn’t feel good.

11:33a - Resident on 2C just came off 1-on-1 whose in a crisis

12:36a - Supervisor [redacted name] told JDS no plugs on 1B, cannot use 1D

1:04p - JDS said a resident in the main gym says he has asthma and needs an inhaler right away

2:00p - JDS said resident on 3B is “requesting your services when you have time.” The supervisor said he’s heading into a meeting with directors right now but will come as soon as they’re done.

3:16p - JDS on 2A Orientation said she had to be at a meeting at 3

3:34p - Ms. [redacted name] said they had to do “like four restraints” and it was a “we had a very hectic day.” They were only able to do one out of 3 staff debriefings yesterday, and asked for Crisis Therapist [redacted name] “help with that” and asked her to meet her on 3rd floor supervisors office

Note: staff debriefings are supposed to be done after a restraint is used.

3:36p - JDS on 2D has resident complaining of “extreme cramping”

3:51p - Supervisor said a resident on 1C is having difficulties and is in a crisis state according to pod staff. Crisis therapist said they were instructed to find out what the crisis is, if possible, to ensure there is a crisis. If possible, a supervisor should go with them now. Supervisor said she’s unsure of what the crisis is because the resident “doesn’t communicate very well.”

3.58p - JDS said a resident on 2D is asking about her tablet and they are under the impression that rec leader [redacted name] was going to switch the tablets to 2D pod. Rec leader said “there’s absolutely no way that can happen so I’m not sure what she’s talking about.”

4:05p - [redacted name] is saying he didn’t get restraints yesterday. Supervisor said “he definitely did, we watched the footage.” Crisis therapist asked if she remembers who did the restraints and Supervisor said “Manager [redacted name]”

4:35p - JDS told crisis therapist that she has a resident in registry and needs to be seen by crisis therapist for suicide assessment

5:07p - 2D JDS said a resident is supposed to get insulin before she eats and she doesn’t have a tray. She just got back from medical.

5:17p - 3A JDS said resident is asking to speak with Supervisor [redacted name]

5:17p - 3A resident asking for nurse for ankle injury

6:12p - 2B girls on 2D - Resident takes insulin and says she may need it. Nurse said they already saw that resident and took her blood glucose. JDS said she didn’t get insulin. Nurse said they aren’t giving her any insulin, per the doctor’s orders.

6:19p - JDS asked if she was going to get a break. She hasn’t had a break since 8am.

6:32p - JDS on Albert Cleage wants to speak with supervisor about something she can’t discuss over radio

6:34p - JDS said a resident is asking if minutes were added to his phone time. Rec leader said she doesn’t have time to come over there but that resident is a level one and has appropriate phone minutes.

6:36p - Nurse requested on Albert Cleage. Resident is having pain from a situation from last night.

8:50p - Resident that receives insulin is asking for insulin before she goes to sleep

10:32p - New resident on 3D said his stomach is in knots and he’s vomiting red

June 19

9:28a - Master control “attention all staff, please remove your residents away from the doors.”

4:58p - JDS said he thinks a resident took the PS5 controller into his room before “plus party”

5:26p - JDS [redacted name] asked Ms. [redacted name] if [redacted juvenile’s name] was allowed to use the controller for a video game? [redacted name] said he’s not even supposed to be on video game, tablet, none of that. He can just go watch tv. [redacted name] asked if the remote is dead, do they just not play the PS5 for the remainder of the day or can they get a new controller? [redacted name] said “the remote been dead.” [redacted name] said Ms. [redacted name] said they have to find them a charger.

5:31p - Supervisor told [redacted name] he didn’t know where a charger would be and advised him to contact recreation directly

6:41p - boys on Albert Cleage want to know if they can go to the gym for their recreation time today. Rec leader said probably not, but they’ll go tomorrow

7:37p - 2C requested supervisor assistance

8:27p - JDS said resident has snack in her room but now she’s filling up juice containers with water and pouring it under the door. Supervisor said she can’t get any of those items in her room anymore.

9:05p - JDS [redacted name] told Montgomery they still haven’t gotten mattresses back for some residents

9:13p - [redacted name] said they have to get these mattresses clean. “It is filthy” and she asked if they have one anywhere else. [redacted name] said they were zipped up together. [redacted name] said “It is completely disgusting. We can’t even get it clean.” asked him to bring another one. [redacted name] asked if she wants him to bring a rag to clean it up. [redacted name] said she already has a rag and it’s not getting it clean. [redacted name] asked if she wanted him to bring another one from the storage room. [redacted name] said yes and asked him to please make sure it’s not as dirty.

11:42p - resident in Room 4 has a towel up to his door. Supervisor advised JDS to shake the door handle and it should come loose.

June 20

9:58a - Resident [redacted juvenile’s name] was being disruptive, continuing to ask for a supervisor and threatening to cause a code. “I’m trying to get one of you guys to come talk to him before it goes there.”

11:59a - JDS said resident asked for nurse, said he doesn’t feel good at all. (Resident could be heard in background saying “I need to take my Motrin.”) JDS said he has a bad headache and doesn’t feel well.

1:29p - JDS [redacted name] asked for a break to use the bathroom. (2A Orientation) She had to wait until after the CODE 10

1:47p - JDS was mandated and JDS asked supervisor to come to her pod because she’s not able to stay today. Supervisors told her this was the notification that she was mandated

1:50p - Staff mandated “due to call-ins”

1:54p - JDS was mandated. Supervisor said he was the last staff being mandated.

4:23p - Supervisor advised nurse that a resident was taken to Children’s Hospital. She was told to let them know so they can contact his parents.

4:24p - Rec leader said they’re going to have to hold off on rec time until after the chaplain visit

4:35p - Supervisor [redacted name] told [redacted name] to report to 3A with (inaudible - items) due to a shortage

5:01p - 3A JDS said “constant horse playing, play fighting and it’s to the point where they aren’t calming down today” and “They need to go down to their room.”

5:18p - 1A has chaplains and 3 JDS on the pod with the kids. Supervisor responded and said “Those aren’t JDF staff so technically they can’t watch the kids.”

7:11p - JDS said they don’t have any pads for the girls and she asked Mr. [redacted name] to grab some and he said there weren’t any pads, only panty liners and she’s supposed to notify a supervisor about someone going to buy some.

7:50p - JDS said a 2A-Orientation resident whose currently on 2A-Merit still hasn’t received an intake call.

11:25p - JDS said there is a green card for “close watch” and it says sleep with suicide gown, no socks, no shoelaces, no sheets, no pillows, and he’s on sharp restrictions and he has everything in his room and no gown. Room #6.

Note: This is not a good situation. The youth is on close suicide watch and isn’t permitted to have items they could use to harm themselves, but they had them in their room.

This batch covers June 5-15.

WARNING: You might notice that, as the staffing shortage puts more and more pressure on staff to work a substantial amount of overtime, and residents are isolated or limited in what they can do, residents mental health seems to shift in a negative direction. By June 15, the facility is a little more chaotic, mental health crisis’, suicidal behavior, and injuries become more common.

You’ll also notice staff attempting to adjust resources to accommodate for the lack of staff, and at times, making seemingly risky decisions. For example, staff said they were told they couldn’t work overtime while they were under investigation, which the supervisor ultimately overrides by mandating staff anyway.

The question I always come back to when I read through my notes is, how can a troubled teen regain control over themselves in an environment that, at times, feels utterly out of control? Youth who find themselves in Wayne County’s juvenile detention facility often come from instability and chaos, in one way or another.

As the old saying goes, “You can’t heal in the same environment that made you sick.”

More terms and definitions to know:

• “Suicide blanket” is a tear-resistant blanket intended to prevent suicides in secure detention facilities.

• “UI” is essentially an incident report

• “Green suits” are anti-suicide smocks

• “CODE 1, CODE 2, etc.” I’m going to be honest, I haven’t been able to figure out the difference between each code. You’ll see this referenced frequently throughout my notes. It usually sounds like an altercation or safety incident (I.e. requesting a nurse in relation with a code, etc.)

June 5

12:31a - Nurse [redacted name] said she needs to be notified when “he” leaves. Supervisor said she just arrived on the midnight shift and will pass along the message. Nurse tried to call him and asked for number to office upstairs(?).

5:51a - JDS said she still has a UI to complete for morning shift and asked if someone could relieve her. Supervisor said that’ll be tough but standby

7:24a - JDS said they’re on 1-on-1 right now and the pod is out-of-ratio. Supervisor said he’s not at the desk, he’s completing a detail at this time.

10:13a - Control inner door 3C, no keys

10:28a - Did or can you perform a grip release on 1D? (response was inaudible)

10:50a - JDS said “I need you to reset the system”

10:53a - JDS asked him to reset it again because it’s not doing anything. JDS said they have an issue with the pull system obviously because every time he resets it, it’s sending it to alarm

Note: it was unclear what exactly this problem involved, but it was not a common issue.

12:06p - JDS [redacted] mandated

12:08p - JDS mandated

12:14p - Need an available supervisor to Dr. [redacted name], something to do with one of the residents, Dr. [redacted name], and the probation officer. JDS asked if there’s a time on that because it seems like he needs them ASAP. Supervisor said no not right now

12:16p - JDS mandated

12:58p - JDS told Supervisor [redacted name] that someone lost one of their pencils and none of the residents are trying to give it up.

2:16p - Resident on 3D needs crisis therapist. Said he’s feeling suicidal

2:25p - Resident on 1B asking to see a nurse - her side hurts. And residents on the pod are asking for water.

3:47p - JDS said resident is in pain and asking for a nurse.

6:28p - JDS and 1C residents are watching TV on 1D. She has a resident in the shower and she doesn’t have keys to get in the shower

6:41p - Crisis therapist requested on 3A. Resident is going through something. He’s trying to calm him down.

6:44p - There’s 3 different (inaudible) suicidal behavior. He’s asking for crisis therapist also. Crisis Therapist [redacted name] asked several times if it’s an actual crisis or if it’s something he can de-escalate. She said she was on her way to another crisis right now but de-escalating would be best for right now.

8:59p - JDS [redacted] mandated

9:03p - [redacted] said she has 2 residents that “need to go where they need to go” and only one room has a bed in it.

9:26p - JDS [redacted name] mandated. Supervisor said “unfortunately sir it got down to you on the mandated list”

10:31p - Supervisor [redacted name] - “Our very colorful resident tore up his green card. He’ll need another one.” Supervisor was asked to repeat and this time said “our last resident who refuses to go in his room.” “[redacted juvenile’s name] “

June 6

6:13a - Master Control told JDS [redacted name} to check room #4 to make sure it’s secure

8:08a - JDS asked Supervisor [redacted name] if he wanted staff NOT to do points from yesterday? He said correct. [redacted name] said they’re on “behavioral contracts”

9:38a - JDS told Supervisor he’s on a 1-on-1 on 2B. Resident needs socks and a sweatshirt, we don’t know where that is from yesterday. As well as he doesn’t have flip flops or underwear. His sink was also turned off at some point yesterday and they’re wondering if they can get turned back on. Supervisor said he has info about why his water was turned off but they can look and see if they can get it turned back on. As long as none of those items are in his room, call [redacted name] for those items. Another supervisor chimed in and said that JDS needs to check the resident’s green card to make sure that resident can even have those items.

10:43a - JDS on 1B said resident whose still waiting on an intake log. She said supervisor promised her one. Also still waiting on water, “we’re kinda like dehydrated, it’s hot.”

10:44p - Supervisor said he’s en route with water container and nurses

10:48a - 3A teacher on pod

11:08a - 2A resident is saying she’s having an anxiety attack and requested a nurse

11:09a - JDS [redacted name] mandated

11:10a - JDS said they were redirecting a resident to “not tie something around—” he’s listening now but wanted to make sure they were aware.

11:12a - JDS [redacted name] mandated

11:41a - [redacted name] said they moved their pod and they’ve done nothing but watch the weather channel, they’ve been asking for the channel to be changed for awhile

11:53a - JDS said a resident is still asking for a call and a couple of girls are asking to see a nurse, one with a headache, another with cramps

12:08p - JDS said resident thinks her blood pressure “might be high” and wants it checked

12:21p - JDS [redacted name] mandated. [redacted name] asked supervisor if he was still in his office

12:37p - JDS [redacted name] mandated and he said he’s not going to be able to stay today.

12:41p - JDS said resident is still complaining about her blood pressure and is feeling lightheaded

1:05p - JDS said 3D has gym class right now. They can’t go to either gym so they want to know if they can go the weight room. “We’ve got the gym teacher here but he has no idea what he’s doing.” Supervisor said “there’s no movement.”

Note: generally speaking, when there’s “no movement” in jail facilities, it means everyone is holding in place until a situation is deemed safe.

1:25p - Crisis therapist requested - JDS said a resident is “going through a crisis and asking to speak to a therapist.”

1:44p - Master Control asked for various doors to be opened

1:48p - JDS asked to report back to school services hallway to secure a door

2:04p - JDS [redacted name] mandated

2:36p - JDS asked Supervisor [redacted name] what he had to write a UI for and supervisor responded “didn’t you have a lot of horseplaying on your pod today?” JDS said “that’s a bad copy.”

3:32p - JDS said [redacted name] is still here waiting on [redacted name] and the other set of keys is missing as well as a radio. Supervisor said they’ll have to debrief with staff to locate the items. As far as staff missing, standby, we’re still doing shift change right now. JDS said [redacted name] said there was only one set of keys today.

3:33p - Crisis therapist requested on 3A

3:34p - 2C requested relief and a supervisor

3:41p - JDS [redacted name] said they have midnight staff that still needs to leave. [redacted name] on 2B they have four 1-on-1s and need relief for all midnight staff

5:52p - 1A to Rec Leader [redacted name] - can you bring those volunteers to 1A please?

7:45p - JDS [redacted name] said there’s no more hygiene kits. The only hygiene kits are intake kits and they’re smaller. There’s no more Dove soap. They have liquid soap, you pour it in a cup.

9:07p - Supervisor [redacted name] told JDS [redacted name] to prepare residents for transport to 2D. Once they’re up there, she’s going to allow residents to clean the rooms those residents will reside in.

9:15p - JDS said a resident says he’s supposed to get an extra sandwich and he didn’t get one.

11:11p - Supervisor [redacted name] told JDS “If you were a witness to those.. do you remember when I came on the pod for meds, and the residents were horseplaying, I need a UI for that, please.” JDS said he would do that before he leaves.

11:11p - Supervisor asked if JDS [redacted name] was still on the pod, 3D. Asked JDS to report to 2B “we still have mandated people here.”

June 7

8:37a - JDS said they don’t have any sanitary napkins on the pod and they need some.

9:40a - Supervisor [redacted name] directed JDS to take “[redacted initials] 1-on-1” to a professional visit room for “an assessment” and a crisis response therapist will be there as well

9:46a - JDS said 3 residents are out of their room for pod cleanup

11:44a - Supervisor told Crisis Therapist [redacted name] they just had to use restraints on 3B and wanted to see what her schedule was like so they can knock out the debriefing form. Crisis therapist said give her a little bit and she doesn’t have any forms so they’ll have to bring them.

12:12p - JDS [redacted name] mandated

12:49p - JDS [redacted name] mandated

12:52p - JDS [redacted name] mandated

3:40p - JDS said her pod wasn’t in ratio. It’s only her and [redacted name]. Supervisor told [redacted name] they’re going to have to put “a certain amount of kids up” until they can get another staff to the pod so they’re in ratio. Supervisor said “if you have 12 residents, minus the 1-on-1, then you need to put two residents up.”

Note: “putting kids up” means sending kids to their rooms. In this situation, the pod was out of ratio and two youth had to be sent to their rooms to ensure the staff:youth ratio wasn’t out of balance, and in compliance with state licensing requirements. This happens when there’s a staff shortage.

3:42p - Supervisor asked all staff to hold radio transmissions for supervisors while they try to make sure every pod is in ratio.

4:36p - JDS said it was difficult to find cleaning supplies on 1B and he had to get some from 2D. Another JDS said there might be some left on 1B because they moved them up here late last night and the pod was in “bad shape.” Staff said they’d take anything to clean the showers because “the girls are refusing to get in the showers with the way they are which, you know, I can’t really say anything about.”

5:04p - JDS said she has two residents trying to make their intake phone call and they said they were told earlier it would be looked into.

6:13p - Crisis therapist requested on 2C. Supervisor called for crisis therapist and no answer. Supervisor then asked JDS if it was an emergency and said “we’re all tied up.” and JDS confirmed that it was

8:12p - JDS [redacted name] said they don’t have any long-term hygiene kits, only intake kits

8:56p - JDS requested two regular blankets and a suicide blanket. JDS [redacted name] said they don’t have the suicide blanket.

Note: you’ll notice a pattern of the jail being out of certain products. At this point, the JDF didn’t have long-term hygiene kits, Dove soap, or available suicide blankets.

June 8

12:00a - JDS told Supervisor [redacted name] that she told her to talk to her or one of the other supervisors, and said she was not mandated and didn’t plan to stay

12:39a - JDS said there’s another resident with a green card for “constant watch”

No substantive radio activity until 7:30a

7:36a - JDS [redacted name] said she forgot to sign the overtime sheet and asked the supervisor to make sure she gets paid. Supervisor said it was already done.

10:53a - JDS said a resident is asking for a nurse. She just smashed her finger in the door.

11:08a - JDS requested “Social Worker [redacted name]” to 2D

11:13a - JDS said resident isn’t feeling well and complaining about (inaudible).

12:53p - JDS said girls on 2D are getting “antsy’ and asked for something for them to do

1:26p - JDS mandated

1:30p - Supervisor asked staff to get together and make sure their “choices points sheets” are filled out today.

1:30p - JDS mandated

4:31p - JDS asked if barber was in building and said a resident has been asking about a haircut for about 2 weeks now

4:40p - JDS requested a crisis therapist and said a resident was “kinda agitated” and “feeling like they’re going to tweak.” Supervisor said that’s probably not something that a therapist is needed for, but a supervisor could come down and have a convo with them.

5:04p - Rec leader asked a supervisor if they see the barber because residents were told he’d be in today. Supervisor said she doesn’t see him and directed him to check with master control.

5:14p - JDS said they just diffused a situation where a resident threw another residents’ tray away

June 9

7:48a - Someone said a pod was out of ratio. JDS said he told a manager he wasn’t staying today and this was his 5th day of mandated overtime

Note: 5 days of mandated overtime = 5 days x 16 hours = 80 hours worked in 5 days, the equivalent of two full-time, 40-hour/week jobs.

9:30a - JDS said a resident said she has court today and she’s acting out because nobody has come and got her for court yet. Supervisor said she’ll look at the “court log.”

10:21a - JDS said he and another staff haven’t gotten lunch break yet (2B) Supervisor: “We understand, we are working with a staff shortage.” They’re working on breaks and told her to standby

11:11a - JDS staff are still waiting for breaks. Supervisor said she hasn’t taken a break either and she’s on 1A today (in rotation)

1:13p - Staff mandated

1:27p - CODE 1 on 3D

2:03p - “Lady napkins” requested on 2D

2:08p - 3D - Teacher on pod

2:27p - Staff mandated. JDS said “Last time I stayed over I was told I’m not allowed to do any overtime as long as I’m under investigation. Supervisor: “As of now you’re mandated, I’ll come down and speak with you.”

4:02p - Supervisor asked JDS if he was with 3 additional staff. JDS said correct, there are 3 staff plus himself, which makes four staff on the pod

4:21p - JDS asked for two new trays on 2D because they had hair in the food.

4:22p - 2A has 10 residents

4:58p - JDS requested room 14 be opened on 2B. Master control asked if she had her keys. JDS said no, that’s why she’s asking master control to open the door

7:43p - JDS on 2C asked master control to check room 12 because he thought it was “stuffed”

9:11p - Supervisor asked JDS what time she got here this morning. JDS said 7. Supervisor: make sure you sign the paper next time

10:38p - JDS said he hears a lady screaming down the hall and asked if she’s being tended to - asked what’s going on. Supervisor asked him if he’s doing his rounds. JDS said it’s coming from another pod. Supervisor said “everything’s good, sir”

10:45p - JDS said 2 residents were refusing to put on a “green suit”

June 10

10:53a - JDS mandated

10:55a - JDS mandated

11:37a - JDS on 2A said a resident says she was told that when she had a situation happen, she needed to report to a nurse. She can’t disclose info over the radio.

3:56p - JDS requested a blue sheet for a resident. Supervisor said to avoid the blue sheet, have that resident step inside his room and close his own door. If he does this, it won’t be considered isolation and he won’t need a blue sheet.

6:07p - JDS said a resident who’s been throwing up is on the ground now. Requested nurse

9:15p - JDS said a resident says they’re not stepping down until they get their snacks.

9:16p - 2A Orientation asked master control not to open any doors. She has a situation with a resident pushing the button

10:26p - JDS requested “green suit” for resident on “close watch”. Supervisor asked what resident and JDS said “[redacted juvenile’s name]” Supervisor asked if it was “close” or “constant” and JDS said “close”

10:28p - Resident is gagging and saying she feels like she needs to throw up (2A)

10:35p - JDS - resident refusing and threatening to cause a “CODE 10” if JDS doesn’t stop asking him to put on a “green suit”

Note: Not heard on radio communications, but documented in a special investigation report by the Michigan Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS), is a physical altercation between youth and a a staff member on June 10, which the state determined was a rule violation because staff was seen on video punching the youth, and charging at them to further engage in the fight.

June 11

6:09a - a resident urinated on the floor through the door. Supervisor said “we’re just gonna go ahead and document it.” He’ll be over there shortly but they can’t open the door so they’re going to have to document it.

10:47a - JDS requested additional staff on 3A. They have a resident still on a one-on-one and they’re out of ratio.

11:59a - 1C JDS said a resident is standing on the table and won’t get down, he wants to speak with a supervisor.

3:17p - [redacted name] asked a supervisor(?) if there was any chance they were with Deputy [redacted name] Just saw the email about anyone needing a haircut.

3:19p - JDS asked if [redacted name] had a set of keys for 1A. She said they don’t have the 2nd set, it was turned in yesterday and they didn’t have it today.

6:26p - Supervisor [redacted name] said she was just notified about a restraint that was used for a resident on 2A orientation. Asked Crisis Therapist [redacted name] to meet her on the 3rd floor before she leaves to do the resident and staff debriefing.

6:30p - Supervisor said staff had an emergency and is on her way to the hospital and JDS is going to have to wait on pod until they figure out what they’re going to do for breaks.

6:37p - JDS said mandated staff really needs something to eat and asked supervisor to send someone to relieve him. He’s been there since 9 a.m. and hasn’t had a break and is starving. (JDS who needs to eat is [redacted name].)

6:57p - [redacted name] said [redacted name] said to treat them all like level 2s and give them 3s and “just get it over with, don’t stress ourselves out.” He clarified that everyone on 2C, just let them pick 3 items and “just be done with them.”

8:09p - JDS asked Supervisor to let nurse know they have a resident on 1C on “one of those machines for his breathing”

9:05p - JDS said a 2D resident is waiting for Supervisor [redacted name]. Supervisor asked if it was about what Deputy [redacted name] told the resident, and JDS confirmed. Supervisor said Deputy [redacted name] is still on that right now.

9:28p - Resident is refusing to step down on 2D. Supervisors said at the moment they’re all tied up and she’s going to have to keep redirecting the resident until they can get down there.

9:46p - JDS asked if Supervisor [redacted name] or Deputy [redacted name] is still in the building. Supervisor said he believes they’re still here and will try to get ahold of them. Resident is refusing to step down and is expecting him.

9:58p - JDS said she spoke to Supervisor earlier about resident on 2C who uses a CPAP machine and they didn’t send a supervisor or a nurse over

June 12

7:53a - they need a radio and keys on 2A Orientation

10:23a - resident on 2C has suicidal ideations and attempting to self harm

11:28a - JDS complained about being mandated again. “I’ve been mandated everyday.”

4:17p - resident on 2C has been throwing up for last 12 minutes

4:55p - Supervisor said he’s trying to let staff into the school storage room and doesn’t know if he has the right keys to open the school storage room.

5:07p - JDS said they used restraints earlier and need to do staff debriefings

5:20p - [redacted name] said he came to 2D for girls and a bunch of them are insisting they had “plus party points” and they were going. Supervisor said only two girls were on the list.

5:46p - JDS: “I’m gonna put two people in their room, I’ll probably need assistance with it.”

8:47p - Crisis response therapist requested on 3A

10:35p - The resident that has breathing issues. They were supposed to bring his machine over here and they still haven’t come yet. Asked supervisor to check with nurse or admin staff.

Note: this has become a daily occurrence whereby this youth doesn’t get the machine in a timely manner (they’re usually in their rooms for the night by 9 p.m.) and/or a supervisor doesn’t show up when they said they will.

June 13

3:20a - JDS said a resident just came on the pod. 13 and 14 on the orientation side - she couldn’t put her in those rooms so she put her in room 12 on the merit side. Room 14 was flooded and Room 13, the water wasn’t on. The supervisor said room 14 was flooded today, that’s why they moved from that room to Room 18. The water’s probably off because she tried to flood it but she can’t be on the merit side, she has to be on the orientation side.

5:00a - JDS said she completed choices sheets but she wanted to show a supervisor what problems she identified before he signed off on them

8:45a - JDS on 1C said someone’s here that wasn’t on the schedule for the visit. She’s waiting for relief to come back so she can facilitate the visit but she’s not sure what it is. The front called her 3 minutes ago about it.

9:08a - We have residents complaining about not being able to take showers last night and asking if they can take showers. Also have a resident complaining about (boxed or burnt?) cereal and asking for another tray

10:28a - JDS asked when they were taking pod up to the 3rd floor. Supervisor asked what the purpose was for. JDS said it was for graduation. Supervisor said he’s not sure if that was the case. JDS said she and [redacted name] were told that’s what they’re doing.

11:19a - JDS said resident is saying she’s going through medical issues because she’s not receiving her meds. She just got here recently.

11:23a - JDS mandated

11:28a - JDS requested permission to use the bathroom on the merit side. She doesn’t have any open rooms on orientation side and her 1-on-1 needs to use the bathroom but the two toilets on orientation side do not work and are “flooded or stuff”

11:50a - two staff mandated

1:56p - JDS requested mattress and blanket for a resident

2:01p - Supervisor said they have a restraint going on on the 2nd floor and requested someone to do debriefing and paperwork

3:06p - Someone said JDS [redacted name] said she would stay but is walking back from that now

4:35p - JDS said church services are about to start on 2A and the tv is loud, requested remote to turn it down

9:20p - asked if [redacted juvenile’s name] and [redacted juvenile’s name] could switch rooms. Supervisor said if one lady whose toilet is (inaudible) can switch but they won’t be switching all those room

June 14

10:15a - staff mandated

10:45a - staff mandated

11:24a - staff mandated

2:09p - JDS asked supervisor to come to 2A-Orientation. JDS didn’t want to discuss over the radio

3:16p - Supervisor said crisis response therapist “wasn’t here”

3:16p - JDS locked keys in bathroom

3:26p - Supervisor asked JDS if they needed a nurse regarding a CODE 1 - JDS said no, they were clear

5:02p - Crisis Response Therapist [redacted name] asked Supervisor to come to 2A. They have to physically manage a resident.

5:11p - JDS asked Rec Leader [redacted name] if they had any bandaids “in here.” Supervisor said they do not, he’ll have to have a nurse come up there. JDS said it’s for staff who injured their arm

5:30p - Rec Leader [redacted name] said they’re getting all pods that haven’t had recreation time today

5:33p - JDS said she has a resident whose “kinda breaking down” because he hasn’t had a call. He can speak a little bit of Arabic, but not much. He needs to call his mom or his dad. “He hasn’t had a call in 4 days and it’s not right.”

5:37p - Supervisor [redacted name] cancelled a code

7:40p - JDS requested suicide blanket on 2A-Orientation.

9:31p - JDS said she’s looking for a residents’ sleep apnea machine

10:04p - JDS said resident on 2A-Orientation is throwing water underneath the door and getting water everywhere. They wanted to see if a supervisor could come take it from her. Supervisor asked what she was using and JDS said her snack juice bag.

June 15

2:11a - JDS asked Supervisor [redacted name] to come to 2D because she has to move a resident because her ceiling is leaking over her bed

2:37a - New resident who just got here said he’s been here the whole time and hasn’t had anything to drink and is thirsty. Supervisor said there’s water in his room. JDS said he’s here in the room now.

No radio activity untiil 9:00am.

9:03a - 3A in Room 2 - resident said his toilet is stopped up

10:58a - JDS requested nurse to come up and re-evaluate a resident.

11:32a - Supervisor said resident that was moved to 3C, his jaw is in pain and wasn’t able to eat at all. Asked that he be assessed. Supervisor said he has been assessed and will be re-assessed during med pass

1:17p - JDS asked rec leader for assistance with a resident’s phone PIN

4:31p - JDS requested crisis therapist on 2C

4:32p - JDS said he’s on 3D with [redacted name] and he’s been here since the morning and he’ll give him a break. Supervisor said they really appreciate it “because we short”

6:44p - Requested a nurse to 3D for same issue.

7:11p - JDS said he’s on 1A and the ratio right now is 14 to 1 and he’s conducting showers and he just wanted to let them know. He hasn’t had a partner, he was there by himself today. He relieved two staff.

7:45p - JDS [redacted name] mandated

9:01p - JDS [redacted name] mandated

9:11p - Master control asked for count, he has 15 on a pod.

9:52p - Resident [redacted juvenile’s name] needs his CPAP machine.

9:42p - Supervisors said she’s with Nurse [redacted name] and they’re going to take care of a resident on 1A shortly. She’s waiting for the staff and the sheriff that’s going with them

9:45p - JDS [redacted name] - [redacted juvenile’s name] just got back from the hospital right? Supervisor said yes, he’s been back but hasn’t been seen by the nurse with everything that’s gone off. He should be back to the pod soon, if he’s not already there. JDS said the nurse saw him already and the supervisor brought him over to 1C. She’s going to let him shower because he needs one.

11:40p - JDS on 1C - she has 4 residents and she’s reading the book and one says hospital. Are they including him in the pod count? Supervisor [redacted name] said they’re only counting kids that are in the building.

After listening to the scanner intermittently for a few weeks, I decided to dedicate as much time as I possibly could to establish a record of what was being said. Before I knew it, I had over 60 pages of chronological notes spanning two months and coincidentally, the juvenile jail was facing multiple scandals at the same time.

My hope is that my notes will provide a bigger, more detailed picture of what actually went on inside the juvenile detention facility between June and July 2025.

This article includes June 1-4. Over the next week, I’ll publish the rest of my notes in batches of 7-10 days.

The challenges I documented last summer range from staff not being able to take a single break during a 16-hour shift, overtime mandates multiple days in a row, fights, floods, broken fixtures, and more. There were operational challenges in the brand new facility, such as tricky door locks and unorganized logistics, and more severe problems, such as staff shortages, frustrated youth with nothing to do and not enough mental health staff to help them work through those internal conflicts. There were also plenty of unexpected surprises, such as staff figuring out a way to connect a CPAP machine in a secure detention area, and youth climbing around in the ceiling.

Patterns are patterns, and sometimes, they reveal systemic issues you wouldn’t have identified otherwise.

I encourage you to read through these with curiosity. There isn’t an answer for every question, and every issue doesn’t have a solution. I can tell you a lot about the system after listening to it operate for months, but there’s still a lot I don’t know.

How many days in a row are staff forced to work mandatory overtime? What did staff say about the work-life balance? How did staff handle concerns about youth’s behavior? We’re youth given everything the county is required to provide? What didn’t youth receive?

Are youth better off in a chaotic, locked-down facility with nothing to do? It goes without saying that children don’t belong in the streets, but what happens when chaos and dysfunction in the correctional system feels familiar to a teen?

These are the types of questions I ask, and I hope you’ll ask them, too.

Above all, I hope this information leads to accountability, transparency, deeper dialogue about the juvenile justice system, and lasting, positive change inside Wayne county’s juvenile detention facility.

Before you dive in, there’s a few things you might want to know:

• The county moved into the new Criminal Justice Complex in September 2024. These notes cover June and July 2025, which was 9-10 months after the county moved in. During this timeframe, three directors were being forced out of their positions, and a contractor was busted giving youth in the jail marijuana gummies.

• There were multiple radio channels operating at any given time. One was used for routine, simple operations, such as staff asking for doors to be opened, transporting youth across the facility, and conducting a headcount of staff and youth twice every day. The other channel was used to communicate one-on-one about specific issues that weren’t necessarily routine, such as staff mandates, conflicts between youth, break schedules, among other things. These notes were taken from the latter.

Definitions and terms

• You’ll find “JDS” mentioned quite often. This means juvenile detention specialist (jail staff).

• Other staff mentioned include supervisors, managers, directors, recreation leaders, nurses, and crisis (response) therapists.

• Recreation leaders coordinate activities in the gym, art rooms, library, weight room, and recording studio.

• Crisis therapists respond when a resident is experiencing a mental health crisis, and it must be a legitimate crisis, not a frustrated teen.

• A “pod” is a group of jail cells that make up a larger unit. These are identified by a number and letter (i.e. 2A, 3B, etc.). At least two pods have names, but Albert Cleage is referenced frequently. This pod usually had the fewest youth.

• “Out of ratio” means a pod doesn’t have enough staff to meet state requirements. This is a high priority situation because it puts staff and youth’s safety at risk when there’s not enough staff to manage the youth.

• “Mandated” means staff were ordered to work mandatory overtime. Shifts are 8 hours, so mandated staff work 16 hours a day.

• “Master control” is in charge of movement, and monitors staff and youth as they move throughout the facility, and that all of the working components (such as door locks) in the facility are in working order.

You’ll also read about silly-sounding, but practical disciplinary procedures and programs, such as sending a youth to their room in 15 minute increments when they fail to follow the rules or acting out in frustration, and rewards for good behavior.

• A “blue sheet” is used when youth are placed in isolation, whether it’s disciplinary or safety concerns.

• A “green sheet” is a list of restrictions for youth who’ve experienced suicidal thoughts or ideation, or self-harm. The list consists of specific items they’re prohibited from having such as sheets, pillows, shoelaces, etc.

• Youth are placed on “close watch” and “constant watch” based on the level of concern staff have for the youth’s safety. “Close watch” means a youth is being closely monitored, and “constant” means they’re watched 24/7.

• “1-on-1” means one staff is required to monitor one youth.

• “Plus parties” and “merit” is related to a behavioral program whereby juveniles can earn special activities and privileges as a reward for good behavior.

June 1

8:20a - A resident on 2C has a cover over their door.

8:37a - JDS wanted to make supervisor aware that residents in rooms 5 and 6 on 3C are “popping out the doors and going back and forth”

8:45a - JDS said 2C & 2D are merged so this is 2D and temporarily holding Albert Cleage, and these kids didn’t receive their breakfast this morning

10:55a - Crisis therapist requested on 2D

12:09p - “The children is getting kinda restless because they have nothing to do and they’re talking about wigging out and stuff.” JDS said they can’t make calls because they don’t have their codes, can’t look at the tv, they’ve already cleaned up and they’re gonna sweep again, but they’re running out of ideas. Supervisor offered her a deck of playing cards. JDS said anything will do, she doesn’t want them to think she’s rude or anything like that. Supervisor came back later and said recreation is going to bring games up to the pod.

12:52p - 3B JDS said they have a child saying he wants to hurt himself and asked for a crisis therapist.

1:26p - Crisis therapist requested on 2D (2nd time today)

1:27p - 3C JDS asked for relief to use restroom

1:36p - Supervisor [redacted name] to JDS [redacted name] - Supervisor said there was a miscommunication and they need to make sure once they leave their rooms from using the bathroom, they need to make sure the doors are secured. JDS asked supervisor to come to pod and yelling was heard in background.

1:42p - JDS said a young lady brought a young man’s paperwork with a phone PIN, and the phone numbers aren’t correct. She doesn’t know her name to reach out but “she has really pretty braids in her hair.” Supervisor said she’ll try to figure out who that is and advised JDS to tell the young man to stand by, then informed JDS [redacted name] that she’s being mandated. JDS said they’re supposed to tell her 2 hours ahead of time and said she needs to make a phone call.

2:21p - JDS said residents need to use the bathroom but their rooms are closed. Where are they supposed to go to the bathroom? Supervisor said residents are allowed to use the restroom and upon their exit, make sure the door is closed behind them after they’re done using the bathroom. JDS asked if she can use one room as “community bathroom” and supervisor said yes.

2:33p - Supervisor asked master control if Mr. [redacted name] was up there. Master control said he was in the elevator. Supervisor said [redacted name] is downstairs waiting for him to make that hospital run. Supervisor asked master control to page over the loud speaker because her phone is dead.

6:30p - An unknown person said he’s at the [redacted for security reasons] door. He’s trying to “cut through to the other side and get behind the kid so I can open the door.” Asking master control to open a specific door.

June 2

12:11a - JDS requested supervisor because a “kid is locked up in the bathroom”

3:06a - JDS said a resident is asking for cup of water. She told him she would slide a cup under the door but he wants a supervisor to come open the door so he can come out and get water. Supervisor said “we don’t open doors so he’s gonna have to get it from under the door.”

5:45a - [redacted name] was mandated and asked supervisor what her assignment will be and said her daughter has a dentist appointment

7:26a - JDS told supervisor her pod was out of ratio. They have 12 kids and a 1-on-1 and two staff.

7:46a - JDS on 2D said she’s still stuck on a pod and it’s almost 8am.

8:02a - JDS requested a remote. JDS said that’s not a priority right now but they’ll try to get over there as soon as they can. They’re still “shifting and moving this building around.”

9:04a - JDS said maintenance is at the door to look at something but she has 3 residents out right now. Supervisor said standby, he’s on his way

10:24a - The resident that went to 3A this morning, is he coming back later or is he permanently off the pod? Supervisor said “later on, due to ratio.” JDS said he just needs to know how to write it in the book

10:47a - JDS said a resident was off the pod during med pass and didn’t get her meds.

10:49a - JDS mandated

11:02a - JDS mandated

11:28a - JDS asked if there was a utility for the “pro visit.” Supervisor said he’s doing med pass and not behind the desk right now.

11:40a - JDS [redacted name] mandated

1:47p - JDS said a resident just came back from court and counselor Mr. [redacted name] told him to give him a call when he comes back

1:48p - JDS requested crisis therapist to 2D for resident whose “having a hard day”

4:53p - JDS said it sounds like the TV is playing over the overhead speakers

5:35p - JDS asked about “seeing glasses” for resident “[redacted youth initials].” Supervisor said he’s not aware of any but he’ll inquire

7:06p - Manager [redacted name] stopped by and said he was supposed to be transporting this resident to another pod. She’s called [redacted name] and supervisors and needs to know what’s going on. They have everything out of his room.

7:15p - JDS asked what are we doing about this resident? He wants out of his room, they let him out, “it’s only a matter of seconds.” Supervisor said “Nope, don’t let them out right now,” and advised JDS to put a blue sheet on both of their doors. JDS said he’s already out and asked supervisor to come over to pod because “my hand is messed up” to help JDS to get him back in his room. Other resident is out of his room, too. Supervisor said “here we come.”

8:30p - JDS said nurse is down on 1A and asking for supervisor

10:35p - resident on 2C needs a suicide blanket and she was unaware, said it was the one without the 1-on-1. She just received a new green card. Supervisor she has two suicide blankets in there, they don’t have anymore, he can put on one and cover up with the other.

11:58p - JDS on 3D said he has a resident who covered a window with a towel.

June 3

12:00a - Supervisor’s morning message - “Good morning to all pods. There was a massive move on the afternoon shift. Please ensure you have a white card for all the residents that’s on your pod. Please ensure that you have a white admission card for every resident that’s on your pod. Second thing is please ensure that your pod roster is correct. Residents’ names, correct names, need to be in the room in the correct selection on your roster. Check for your wands. If you do not have a wand, with the exception of the first floor, please notify me.”

Note: morning messages weren't common around this time. I recall hearing it two, maybe three times.

1:02a - Supervisor [redacted name] said they have a resident in intake that still needs to be processed

2:48a - Supervisor asked how many rooms they have available. JDS said two after this new admission. Once you process new admission, Supervisor said they have 3 “Code D(?)s coming in from Taylor, all together.” Needs all 3 processed but they’re only going to take the youngest one to 1C and the other two will remain in admitting until they can classify them tomorrow and figure out where they need to go.

Note: this was the only time I heard staff discuss processing youth intake who arrived from specific cities.

2:56a - JDS [redacted name] mandated

4:55a - JDS [redacted name] mandated to day shift, supervisor said they just had another call-off

6:01a - Supervisor said residents on 2A need to be off the pod by 6:30a.

7:34a - JDS on 3C said the pod is out of ratio. The two other staff on the pod are on 1-on-1s. Supervisor said she’s sending another person to him

9:57a - JDS said two residents were horseplaying and one hit his head

10:45a - Supervisor JDS that both sets of keys should be on the pod. 3D keys aren’t down here. JDS said midnight staff told them someone came around and took the 2nd set of keys. Supervisor said she’ll get with supervision.

1:35p - JDS said a resident had a bad court date and wants to talk to crisis therapist

2:56p - A nurse said they need to draw blood and take urine from 2 girls, requested transport

4:08p - 2A JDS said resident is saying she didn’t receive all of her merits. Recreation leader said they all got their merits on Sunday but he’ll check

4:30p - JDS requested juice bag for 3A. Supervisor said they don’t have juice bags left. He can see if they have OJ, JDS said any juice would be fine. Supervisor came back later and said they don’t have any juice, only chocolate milk. Resident doesn’t want milk. Also need tray for new resident on pod.

9:48p - JDS said she has a resident on 3A who is making suicidal comments. Someone asked if they have a crisis therapist in the building and a supervisor responded “no maam, they all left the building at 8p.”

10:06p - Master control told JDS to check room 13. JDS said “13 is good.” Master control asked him to check the lock and if there was anyone in the room. JDS said yes, they just got a new resident about 10 mins ago. Master control told him to check the locks and door jam. JDS said alright it’s fine. Master control said it’s all good on his end now.

10:10p - JDS said they got a new resident from 1C, his name is “[redacted name]” but —

11:18p - JDS said he has one boy with window covered and staff is waiting for relief

June 4

10:46a - JDS on 2A said one of her residents returned to the pod and they’re out of ratio. Asked to move her to 1B. Supervisor said good copy

12:34p - JDS on 3D said a resident has the wrong phone PIN & requested case manager to come talk to him

4:20p - Crisis therapist requested on 2D

4:26p - Rec leader said 2B tablets won’t work on 1B

4:44p - Assistance requested on 1D - needs key to turn water off in one of the rooms

6:19p - JDS asked for stairwell to be closed off

6:53p - Yelling heard over the radio

8:07p - JDS [redacted name] said she won’t be able to stay tonight. She has training at 8am tomorrow

10:16p - JDS asked to secure room 12

The public record paints a much different picture about El-Sayed’s track record than what he says.

Several programs — Vision to Learn, medical debt relief, air quality monitoring, and Narcan vending machines — were shiny new programs he rolled out as Director of Wayne County’s Department of Health, Human, and Veterans Services. Unfortunately, none of them have been as successful as he says they are.

Glasses for children

For example, El-Sayed has repeatedly touted the fact that he’s distributed thousands of pairs of glasses to children as Detroit and Wayne County’s health director.

The truth is Wayne County had a goal of screening 50,000 children for vision problems, but only planned to distribute 12,000 pairs of glasses, and each child would receive two pairs.

As of October, the county only distributed 4,000 pairs of glasses.

Information reviewed after this article was published indicated that as of February, the county said it distributed 10,000. This edit was made after the original article was published.

El-Sayed pushed contracts forward with Vision to Learn, a nonprofit based out of California, rather than partner with local Lions Club chapters whose mission is to support vision programs, despite county commissioners encouraging him to do so.

Commissioner Glenn Anderson (District 12) shared his story during a commission meeting in January 2024 about a teacher who recognized he had vision issues and referred him to the Lions Club, who was able to assist him in purchasing a new pair of glasses.

The county is required by law to screen children for hearing and vision issues. Beyond that, however, around 50% of children in Wayne County are covered by Medicaid, which means that, even without his program, children can still receive free comprehensive eye exams and glasses.

When it launched, El-Sayed said the program wasn’t sustainable because the organization couldn’t bill Medicaid for the services it offers, but his department wanted to collaborate with the organization because they have been advocating for the state to cover their services.

“One of the reasons we wanted to work with this group is because they’ve been involved in doing that back-end work to try and push our state Medicaid to make this directly billable,” El-Sayed told commissioners.

“You could imagine over the next two years where they, as an organization, can start to bill Medicaid directly for the services they offer and we don’t have to pay another dime to do this,” he said. “Getting there, from a strategic standpoint, is a primary goal.”

Wayne County taxpayers ultimately paid $1,750,000 for a program that served a California nonprofits’ interest in being paid by Medicaid, and they received a fraction of the glasses El-Sayed said they would.

Air quality

El-Sayed also led the county to sign a contract with JustAir to install 100 fixed air quality monitors and deploy 500 mobile air monitors, which he initially said would attach to children’s backpacks, and Bluetooth devices that can be placed on an inhaler.

The mobile monitors and Bluetooth inhaler devices, El-Sayed said, would eventually tell a story about how air quality affects children’s ability to breathe.

One goal of the program, he said, was to get real-time information out to families about air quality. The other was to hold polluters accountable and help the state make informed decisions related to emissions permits, among other bureaucratic hammers, based on air quality data.

The truth is, all of the fixed monitors were installed by April 2024, and the mobile monitors and Bluetooth inhalers were expected to roll out that summer. However, over a year later, county officials said they deployed less than 100 mobile monitors and they were redefining the program to fit the needs of Wayne County residents.

“We’re working on a distribution plan to modify our potential outreach. We’re realizing that making this a research study hosted by the government at this time in U.S. history may not be the best idea,” Wayne County DHHVS Program Director Azia Harris-Martin told commissioners in October 2025, a few months after El-Sayed left.

His medical debt relief program also hasn’t lived up to expectations and offers no real transparency because the contract prohibits the county from knowing what medical providers it’s paying off.

More pilot programs, same low quality

El-Sayed recently claimed credit for mobile outreach vans Wayne County DHHVS Veterans Division purchased and said he remembered ordering the decals.

The truth is, the department said his numbers weren’t accurate and they didn’t actually have a goal.

“We don’t actually have a goal yet. I’ve asked certain folks that I reached out to, to find some numbers for me. They’re not always as accurate,” Assistant Director of Wayne County DHHVS Veterans Division said during a meeting on Feb. 25.

He also started the “Learning Parents Partnership” program, which he initially said would provide a $500 stipend to new parents who are attending community college, to reduce the financial burdens they typically face when balancing work, school, and family.

The truth is, county officials said his idea was never launched and instead of stipends, it would provide lactation rooms, upgrade child care facilities and playgrounds, among other things.

I, myself, volunteered for Wayne County’s Meals on Wheels program, which the county’s health department runs, shortly after he left his post to run for the U.S. Senate. I saw firsthand the problems the county is facing when it comes to delivering meals to one its most vulnerable populations.

The truth is, some cities have 0 volunteers and the program is poorly run, paper-based, and in several cities, seniors do not rely on it as a service because it’s not consistent.

My grandfather uses the service and is allergic to shellfish, however, the county has no way of documenting food allergies, and its irritating seniors.

While I’m not a doctor or physician, nor have I obtained a public health degree, it would seem it’s in the best interest of public health to find a way for the county to deliver food that won’t kill seniors.

If nothing else, audit reports from his time leading the Detroit Health Department and Wayne County Health, Humans & Veterans Service Department provide insight into his ability to effectively lead a department.

He’s here, then he’s gone

El-Sayed was appointed as Detroit’s health director, stayed for less than 2 years, then ran for governor. He was later appointed as the county’s health director, stayed for less than 2 years, then launched his campaign for U.S. Senate.

Today, the success his campaign highlights is limited to the shiny, new programs he created as public health director, none of which have lived up to the expectations he set.

Fortunately, the county’s existing, long-time programs continued on without his support or focus, and despite his neglect.

Subscribe now

Share

As of February, the county said Henry Ford has agreed to settle $17 million in debt.

The other two hospital systems — DMC and Corewell Health — aren’t participating. State reports show the two hospital systems combined account for 60% of emergency room admissions in Wayne County in 2022.

Undue has attempted to purchase accounts from Tenet, which owns DMC and is based in Dallas, Texas, but Wayne County officials said the healthcare system isn’t willing.

There are several reasons a provider wouldn’t want to work with the county to relieve a resident’s medical debt.

“It could be publicity reasons, it could be paperwork. They have to transfer the debt in a certain format so the data can be cleaned. It could be they don’t want bad publicity about how much debt they’re actually holding,” Chief Programs Officer for Wayne County’s Department of Health, Human & Veterans Services, Azia Harris-Martin, told the commission.

Additionally, Harris-Martin said it could be related to the amount of charity care a hospital is required to maintain its non-profit status, or providers expect to recover more money through their third-party collection agencies.

Commissioner Monique Baker McCormick (District 6) said she’s concerned that a neighborhood hospital, like DMC in Detroit, isn’t partnering with Undue.

“I know the type of people that go there really have a need to have their debt eliminated,” Baker McCormick said at a February committee meeting.

Whose benefiting? That’s a secret

Wayne County’s medical debt relief program has settled $43 million for 83,000 residents so far; however, HIPAA and other restrictions prevent the county from knowing which providers Undue is paying off or who it’s actually benefiting.

Aside from a ZIP code, the county has no idea who is benefiting from the debt relief unless they come forward and announce it, and the lack of transparency has been a concern for some commissioners.

Commissioner Allen Wilson (District 11) said the program is “cloaked in secrecy,” and he hasn’t heard from any of his constituents that they received a letter about their debt being settled. He represents Belleville, Flat Rock, Wayne, Sumpter Township, Van Buren Township, Huron Township, and Romulus.

During a February commission meeting, Commissioner Tim Killeen (District 1) referenced a report that contains information about the amount of debt settled for residents in each city. Almost $17 million has been settled on behalf of Detroit residents, Killeen said, and $1.5 million has been settled for Dearborn residents, and over $2 million for Taylor residents.

As of October last year, the maximum amount of debt settled for a single Wayne County resident was $160,000.

About the contract

In 2024, Wayne County approved a $5 million contract to settle up to $700 million in medical debt. The funding came from indigent healthcare funds and the American Rescue Plan Act funding. Around $500,000 has been spent so far.

Undue negotiates debt settlements directly with medical providers, so residents can’t opt in or apply for this program. To qualify, you have to be a Wayne County resident and have an income at or below 400% above the federal poverty level, which is around $103,000 for a family of three.

Hospitals offer assistance with medical bills

Most hospital systems offer financial assistance and other resources to lower-income patients. For example, Henry Ford offers up to 100% financial assistance for patients earning less than 250% above the federal level, which is $39,900 a year for an individual and $89,500 for a family of four.

A household whose income is less than 400% above the poverty level — $62,600 for an individual and $128,600 for a family of four — could qualify for up to 70% in financial assistance for their medical bills.

DMC and Corewell Health also offer similar financial assistance to their patients.

Potential changes in the future

County staff said in February that it expects recent changes to Medicaid and Medicare to increase the debt load residents carry, which would make programs like this even more beneficial and potentially prevent them from delaying their healthcare needs.

The county is also considering changes to the type of debt Undue could settle, such as ambulance services, as well as programmatic changes. For example, Los Angeles County brought together all of its hospital systems to review its charity care policies. A recent report shows hospitals in LA County provided $426.5 million in financial assistance in 2023.

The Wayne County Commission delayed a vote on a $1 million, 3-year contract with J&T Towing, Inc., otherwise known as J&T Crova, at its April 30 meeting.

Wayne County’s Department of Public Services contracted with J&T Towing and Goch & Sons for equipment hauling for the last several years. Although county officials said they had no problem with either contractor, they decided to move forward with J&T only.

Now the contract is in the hot seat as commissioners and Goch & Sons question the county’s procurement process.

The matter will be back before the commission on June 4.

“Apparent” low bidder

The Invitation for Bids (IFB) that the county released in May of last year was nearly, if not entirely, identical to the bid solicitation that the county sent out in 2022.

Four vendors submitted a bid this time, and J&T was the lowest overall at $470,000. Goch’s bid came in 2nd and was $25,000 more than J&T’s.

The contract is on an as-needed basis, and the contractor bills the county for services as they’re provided, so the total contract amount doesn’t necessarily represent the value of the work to be provided.

Goch & Sons owner Mike Goch said his company bid lower on 8 of the 12 services, and those are the services the county has historically asked towing contractors to perform most often.

Goch said they bid $110 for hauling county equipment on lowboy trailers, which the county frequently requests, and J&T bid $150.

For mileage, Goch said they bid $4.25, and J&T bid $20.

“It’s semantics playing with these little numbers in these categories. That’s not what you’re using,” Goch told commissioners.

For example, Goch said his company bid higher for on-site repairs, but they’ve never provided that service to the county. They also bid higher on “dropping axles,” but Goch said the quantity the county provided for this service was 900, and they only provided this service 72 times last year.

“Pick me and only me” discounts

So why was J&T the only vendor awarded a contract and were they the actual lowest bidder?

It’s simple (kinda): J&T offered the county a 10% discount if they were the only vendor awarded a contract.

The county’s procurement director, Aaron Wagner, said this type of discount was allowed and referenced a section in the Invitation for Bid (IFB) that allows vendors to include “special programs and alternative recommendations” in their bid.

I reviewed the documents published on BidNet, and the section he’s referring to lists several examples for programs and incentives the county welcomes — customer employee retail discounts, return policies, trade-in programs allowing the return of new product not needed, quantity discounts, green product offering, and Michigan-made products.

“If we’re getting all the work, it’s a quantity discount,” J&T employee Louay Hussein said about the winner-takes-all discount.

Wagner said during an April 30 meeting that it’s beneficial to the county to only award J&T because the county would receive a 10% discount every time it needed towing services.

So, how good of a discount is the county really getting with J&T?

When you apply the 10% discount to J&T’s $150 bid for hauling DPS equipment on lowboy trailers, for example, it comes out to $135, which is still $15 more than Goch’s bid for the same service without a special discount.

Regardless of the math, the county says it’s a deal.

Two contractors vs. one

Aside from the discounts, county officials cited challenges that come with juggling multiple contractors, large equipment, and various locations as a reason for only contracting with one tow company.

Director of Wayne County’s Department of Public Services Equipment Division Angelia Miller said the county decided to go with only one vendor, rather than two, because of challenges managing four shops and two different contracts.

“You will find some vendors, when you’re balancing two contracts, doing more tows but making less money, while the other is doing larger tows and making more money,” Miller said about balancing two contracts at an April 21 meeting.

“As a tow driver, I just don’t think it makes sense for emergency situations to rely on one company,” one of Goch’s heavy-duty tow truck drivers said during the meeting. With two companies, he said, they were able to get the road cleared and equipment back to the DPW tow yard safely.

“I don’t know why they would want to go down to one towing company. It’s always good to have a backup,” Robert Goch, co-owner of Goch & Sons, said.

Sore losers

“For some reason, it only becomes an issue when you lose,” J&T owner Sam Hussein said during the April 21 meeting.

The last time the county went out for bid for this contract, Hussein said his company was the 2nd lowest bidder. “We took it on the chin and continued to provide the best service to Wayne County.”

“We just want a fair shake at it,” Goch said during the April 9 meeting, “this is not a sore loser comment.”

No appeal process

Information about how bidders can appeal a bid award (“bid protest”) wasn’t in the IFB, which the county said is normal and doesn’t create a deficiency in the process.

“Wayne County’s current templates do not include instructions on how bid protests are handled, although it is in the ordinance,” Wagner told commissioners, “that is not unique, and that is a practice that, for over a decade, has been happening.”

Even if the IFB provided this information, Goch said they weren’t notified about the bid award, and the county made it nearly impossible to find out who was awarded or how they could protest it.

Goch said he called “dozens of times,” emailed county staff, and even went as far as submitting FOIA requests and hiring an attorney, and they still couldn’t get an answer about the contract award.

Although Wagner initially said he worked with IT to gain access to staff emails to locate a bid protest from Goch & Sons and wasn’t able to find one, he later confirmed that their bid protest was denied.

Subscribe now

Share

The Wayne County Ethics Task Force kicked off a process last week to review and recommend changes to the county’s ethics ordinance, which was last updated 13 years ago.

A well-written ethics ordinance prevents public officials from participating in decisions in which they have a personal or financial interest and prohibits the use of public resources for private gain. It also mandates certain financial and lobbying disclosures and establishes an Ethics Board that reviews and recommends actions to be taken for those found in violation.

The task force has 3 members — Commissioner Allen Wilson (District 11), Melissa Daub (District 10), and Jonathan Kinloch (District 2).

The effort follows recent media reports about allegations of harassment involving Sheriff Raphael Washington, which has frustrated county commissioners. A week before the task force met, the county lawyered up for a lawsuit that alleges the sheriff’s former community outreach director was fired for blowing the whistle about Washington’s sexual harassment problem.

The task force met for the first time on April 23. Unfortunately, the county didn’t post a meeting notice on its website beforehand, so it’s unlikely taxpayers knew about it.

The next meeting is on April 30 at 1 p.m., and the Ethics Board is expected to share the challenges and successes it’s had over the last decade, as well as any recommendations. Then, the task force will begin dissecting the ordinance and recommending changes.

Commissioner Kinloch asked that the 30-day window for public comments be opened the day of the meeting (April 23). The clock is ticking! Email your comments to WCEthics@waynecountymi.gov by May 23.

Here’s what they discussed at the first meeting:

The role that personal, political, and professional relationships have over decision-making seemed to be a consistent concern throughout the meeting. Some concerns were more serious, such as coercive practices and employees’ fear of retaliation.

During a presentation on the task force’s objectives and key concerns, Commissioner Wilson said 3 issues highlight the gap in transparency and oversight:

• Informal influence in procurement decisions and internal investigations

• Contract steering

• Unequal access to decision makers.

Loopholes, carveouts, and revolving doors

Although gratuities are banned in the current ordinance, Wilson said personal friendships, gifts, event tickets, and food are “common influence channels,” friendship being the “most troublesome,” but it’s technically allowed under the current ordinance.

Campaign contributions aren’t considered gratuities but are a “major influence mechanism,” and the commission is looking to do the following:

• Increase scrutiny threshold for high-level donors

• Mandatory disclosure requirements for campaign donors

• Independent audits for high-level donor-award contracts

• Penalties for non-disclosure

There’s a 1-year restriction on post-employment for elected officials, but it doesn’t cover all staff or address lobbying transitions or consultant roles, which Wilson said could encourage “pay-to-play pipelines” and the monetization of insider knowledge.

Lobbyists are required to register with the county, but there are no disclosure requirements for meetings, communication logs, and Wilson said real transparency is being avoided. “Lobbying influence remains largely invisible.”

Conflict of interest disclosures

The ordinance doesn’t effectively address real-world conflicts of interest, especially those rooted in relationships, rather than financial ties.

It requires annual reporting of certain financial interests and employment, but it doesn’t mandate transaction-specific disclosures tied to decisions, like contract awards, hiring, promotions, or investigations.

Whistleblower protections

The ordinance doesn’t allow anonymous complaints, so if someone wants to file an ethics complaint, they have to identify themself, provide detailed allegations, and agree to testify. Because of these requirements, Wilson said the burden is on the person reporting misconduct, which tends to discourage people from coming forward. Most “insiders” won’t report misconduct, especially against leadership.

Although the ordinance prohibits retaliation, there’s no way to enforce it, conduct an independent investigation, or impose penalties when someone chooses to retaliate.

Lack of independence and oversight

Officials who appoint members to the Ethics Board could be subject to an investigation themselves, and therefore, they might not be intimidated by the ordinance and oversight.

The ethics board’s authority is limited to reporting findings and referring disciplines to others, so nothing happens if leadership decides not to act.

Although it holds hearings and reviews complaints, the board has no clear subpoena power to compel documents or testimony and relies exclusively on voluntary cooperation, which Wilson said makes it hard to investigate misconduct, especially in situations that involve coercion in contracting and “undue influence.”

Lack of teeth and vague definitions

The overall language and requirements in the current ordinance are vague, which leads to inconsistent enforcement. The most severe penalty for an ethics violation is a $500 civil fine, and the decision to impose it is left up to the employer (county officials). Because of these issues, Wilson said the current ordinance is “more symbolic than deterrent, especially in high-power procurement environments.”

To change this, the commission is looking to tie disclosure requirements to specific actions, so that anyone’s role in contracts, hiring, or investigations is considered when decisions are being made.

Why it’s relevant

The recent scandal(s) aren’t the first time Washington’s conduct has been questioned, and in 2024, the ethics board dismissed a complaint about the sheriff’s “swag solicitation” on social media.

Numerous allegations have been thrown around over the years, some of which have led to criminal investigations and convictions, and the conduct varies widely, from sexual harassment to retaliation to corruption.

Wayne County’s government and public affairs director, Saif Alsenad, was sentenced in February for lying to the FBI about his knowledge of former Inkster Mayor Patrick Wimberly’s dirty deeds.

Activist Robert Davis filed a lawsuit against county commissioners, whom he alleged retaliated against him for trying to get sitting judges removed from the ballot in 2022.

The Ethics Board dismissed a complaint against Wayne County Treasurer Eric Sabree and his family in 2019, which involved the purchase of tax-foreclosed properties.

County commissioners have complained for years about the Evans administration’s lack of transparency and tendency to send contracts to the commission for approval after the work has started and, in some cases, was already finished.

A lot has been said on the public record, but there’s a lot more that hasn’t been.

Stay tuned!

— Kayleigh

Subscribe now

Subscribe now