Muskegon Heights City Council members voted 4-2 in favor of “relieving Shawnderick Roberson of his duties and responsibilities as city manager and fire chief” effective immediately.
Roberson was charged by Muskegon County Prosecutor DJ Hilson with three criminal felonies earlier this month, including one count of possession of a controlled substance with intent to deliver and two counts of income tax evasion. Hilson has stated the charges are “an indirect offshoot” of a federal drug trafficking and money laundering case against Javon Brewer, Roberson’s partner in several Muskegon Heights real estate deals.
Roberson had been on paid administrative leave since July 24th, one day after the FBI, DEA, IRS, and Michigan State Police raided Muskegon Heights City Hall as part of a “financial and drug crime investigation.”
Mayor Bonnie McGlothin stated Roberson “must now devote his time and attention to addressing his personal legal matters and the judicial process that will follow. For those reasons, the Mayor and City Council believe it is in the best interests of the City of Muskegon Heights to separate from Mr. Roberson at this time.”
The council also approved a $2,500 monthly raise for Police Chief Maurice Sain to serve as interim city manager.
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