After months of controversy about county officials having outside jobs on top of their taxpayer-funded positions, Oakland County Executive David Coulter and his leadership team have posted their financial information publicly.

Watch Heather Catallo's video report: Amid controversy, Oakland County's leadership team posts financial disclosures View the disclosures here

Last month, the 7 Investigators showed you how Deputy County Executive Sean Carlson owns Procurement Consulting Group LLC.

Related Story: Advantage or conflict? Oakland Co. senior leader's private business in question Advantage or conflict? Oakland Co. senior leaders private business in question

Its a private company that has provided purchasing staff to local governments, including Livingston County, the Washtenaw Intermediate School District and with neighboring Wayne County.

Carlson was hired by Oakland County in 2019 and taxpayers pay his $224,487 salary.

Records obtained by the 7 Investigators show Carlsons Procurement Consulting Group, or PCG, has been providing Wayne County with procurement staff since 2016. In 2023, PCG landed a Wayne County contract valued at up to $8,467,961.24 for 3 years and can be extended for 7 years for up to $14,522,783.14.

In PCGs Wayne County contract, Carlson is listed as both a principal of the company and the owner.

PCG has also had a contract with the city of Pontiac, where Coulters administration is spending $370 million dollars to move their headquarters. Pontiac city invoices show the city paid Carlsons company $355,780. Carlson told the 7 Investigators he did not know PCG had pursued the Pontiac business until after it was awarded.

Coulter and Carlson have maintained Carlsons outside employment is not a conflict of interest.

Now, a county website lists the outside employment and income for Oakland Countys other deputy county executives and the county's Chief Financial Officer.

Related Story: 'Oakland County is better than this.' Coulter unveils sweeping ethics reforms after 7 Investigation 'Oakland County is better than this.' Coulter unveils sweeping ethics reforms after 7 Investigation

The 7 Investigators have also shown you how Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chair David Woodward owns two outside companies: Woodward & Associates and Pivot Point Strategies, a political consulting firm. Woodward has admitted hes a paid consultant for the Sheetz gas station chain but will not say how much he earns from them on top of his $82,500 county salary. In past interviews, Woodward would not reveal his other consulting clients but maintains he does not have a conflict of interest.

In December, the Board of Commissioners said Coulters corporation counsel attorneys told them they had no legal authority to require financial disclosure, so the board only passed a resolution to ask the Michigan legislature to enact a law that establishes a uniform statewide financial disclosure framework they can later adopt.

Coulter originally called on the commissioners to adopt financial disclosure statements similar to those adopted by state lawmakers in 2023. But Coulter said he wanted the transparency requirements to go further by extending the rules to the spouses/domestic partners of Oakland County elected officials and Coulters appointees.

Today, his leadership team revealed the names of any outside employment and where they hold properties and investments. Specific income levels or dollar amounts were not made public.

Transparency is essential to maintain the publics confidence in how their government operates, Coulter said. While there is not yet state law requiring such financial disclosure for elected officials, I believe we should lead by example. Thats why my senior leadership team and I are making these disclosures available to the public.

We live in a representative democracy. And so for that to work, people have to trust that their representatives are really working for them, said Jim Townsend, Director of the Carl Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy at Wayne State University Law School. If you want to keep faith with the people you represent, you have to assure them that they can trust you, that you are not being influenced by pay or consulting fees.

Thursdays disclosures revealed another Deputy County Executives outside work. A county spokesman says April Lynch earns more than $244,000 [$224,487.12] a year for her role overseeing the countys human resources and facilities management. Facilities management is currently under scrutiny for the recent Legionella outbreak in county buildings.

Lynch listed a company called RA Holdings in her financial disclosure. What she did not spell out specifically is that RA Holdings biggest client is a company called Double Haul Solutions that helps with recruiting for other municipalities. Video shows Lynch at a City of Saline City Council meeting on March 3, 2025, pitching Double Haul Solutions to help the city find a new city manager. The cost for Lynchs services referenced by Saline city leaders in the meeting was $15,495, plus executive coaching for $3,995.

WEB EXTRA: Deputy Oakland County Exec April Lynch appears before Saline City Council WEB EXTRA: Deputy Oakland County Exec April Lynch appears before Saline City Council

She runs HR [for the county], she runs facilities she runs a bunch of stuff and has several hundred employees so where would she find the time? asked Oakland County Commissioner Charlie Cavell about Lynchs outside job.Then if there's Legionella found, then it totally makes sense that someone's attention and focus was distracted elsewhere.

Cavell and Commissioner Kristen Nelson (D-Waterford) have been pushing for ethics reforms since May.

I feel lied to and betrayed. Again, how are people supposed to trust you? asked Cavell. So there are thousands of people that are trusting you're doing your best for the people of Oakland County. So one, they deserve transparency and accountability. But two, if you don't give them that, and then you find out that you might have been busy with some side hustle? Unacceptable!

The 7 Investigators asked Oakland Countys Public Information Officer Bill Mullan whether April Lynchs government consulting work was a conflict of interest. He released this statement to us:

April notified County Executive Coulter about the executive consulting work she does on her own time. He was aware and completely comfortable with it.

Mullan also said Lynch does not do any consulting for municipalities in Oakland County.

Nate Geinzer owns Double Haul Solutions. Geinzer told the 7 Investigators that he is the sole owner and that DHS has not performed any work for Oakland County.

"April has been a trusted colleague of mine for well over 15 years, is deeply respected by her peers, and has been someone who has helped me grow as a professional over the years. Moreover, among her subject matter expertise, she is particularly well versed in municipal human resources management and talent development," said Geinzer. "On a limited, as-needed basis, she engages as a subcontractor to provide executive coaching and human resources advisory services for DHS clients when her availability allows. She does not hold an ownership stake in the company. April's partnership is as a colleague, a thought partner, a coach, a mentor, and a friend."

Meanwhile, in December, the Board of Commissioners decided not to require financial disclosures, alleging the law doesnt allow them to do that.

Cavell says he believes they do have the authority to require disclosure among commissioners, and says he plans to release his own financial information regardless of what the rest of the commission does.

The Oakland County Board of Commissioners can create board policy that is just required for the board to follow and we've done that with all sorts of things, and we can do that for this.It just takes the chairman putting it on an agenda and having us vote for it and [Woodward] has not done that, and he knows he can do that. So that's the real answer, said Cavell.

If you have a story for Heather Catallo, please email her at hcatallo@wxyz.com

The 7 investigators were the first to report that more Legionella bacteria was found in the water system on the Oakland County campus in Pontiac.

Watch Heather Catallo's video report: 'Inexcusable.' County leaders frustrated over delay in Legionnaires' response

First, it was detected in the Sheriffs Office, then it was found in the courthouse.

Now, some elected officials are questioning why they werent told sooner about the potentially deadly bacteria being found in the water.

Related Story: Oakland County expands water testing for Legionella bacteria to courthouse Oakland County expands water testing for Legionella bacteria to courthouse

The 7 Investigators have learned there was a delay in alerting hundreds of employees and members of the public. We also discovered that as of Tuesday, employee sinks in the courthouse still did not have special filters installed; notices not to use those sinks were not posted until after the 7 Investigators contacted county officials.

A county spokesman said the results confirming Legionella in the courthouse were delivered by email after 3 p.m. on December 23 to a single employee whose shift is 6 a.m. 2 p.m. The email was opened the morning of the next business day which was December 26.

I'm frustrated and angry that I wasn't notified immediately, said Lisa Brown, Oakland County Clerk and Register of Deeds.

Browns staff was busy at work inside the courthouse on both December 23 and December 26.

When she learned the county was notified on December 23 that 4 of 11 test sites in the Oakland County Courthouse tested positive for Legionella, she started pressing for answers and calls the delay in alerting elected officials and hundreds of employees inexcusable.

Related Story: Oakland County had no plan to routinely test water prior to Legionella discovery Oakland Co. had no plan to routinely test water prior to legionella discovery

What do you think should have happened? asked 7 Investigator Heather Catallo.

I believe in treating people how you want to be treated. So, I would have contacted, at least, the elected officials in this building to let them know, so they can let their staff know, said Brown. "The role of government should be to protect the health, safety, and welfare of its residents...."

The potentially deadly bacteria that causes a form of pneumonia was found in mens bathrooms on the first and third floors, and in two sinks in the basement cafeteria.

Those results follow a Legionnaires' diagnosis in a custodial employee who works in the Oakland County Sheriffs office, Building 38E, which is across the street from the courthouse.

County officials say they learned about that diagnosis on November 10, 2025, but did not test the Sheriffs office until more than two weeks later on November 25, 2025.

Those results came back on December 4, 2025, and the county closed the Sheriffs headquarters for remediation. It is now back open.

On December 5, 2025, the County disclosed publicly that a member of the public who got Legionnaires' disease back in April had listed the courthouse as a place he had visited.

Was anything done to do any testing in April? asked Catallo during an interview on December 11 with Oakland County Public Information Officer Bill Mullan.

No, because we did not have that second case to connect it and begin testing, which is what is standard in terms of testing public buildings in Michigan, said Mullan. Theres no immediate risk to the public in the courthouse.

The court complex not only houses Browns staff of about 100 people, but hundreds of judges, court employees, and prosecutors, plus the Treasurers office and the Board of Commissioners' offices. And the building is full of public restrooms where the public can easily access the water.

Do you think the building should have been tested back in April when there was that other case? asked Catallo.

I'm more of a proactive person. Id rather rule it out and be safe. I would've done the testing, but that's just the kind person I am, said Brown.

The 7 Investigators previously reported that county officialsadmitted no plan was in place to regularly monitorthe water system that feeds their 45 buildings.

Why didn't the county have a regular water testing plan? Catallo asked County Executive David Coulter on December 17.

I don't know, it's not mandated by anyone, it is not the law that we have to or obviously we would have. But I think we're working towards that, said Coulter.

Despite the custodial employee in the sheriffs office testing positive in early November, no testing was done in the courthouse until December 15th and the special .2 micron filters were not added to the bathrooms in the courthouse until December 30th 51 days after the employees Legionnaires diagnosis.

It's very frustrating. I'm concerned that someone else is going to get sick, said Brown.

The 7 Investigators visited the courthouse on Tuesday, which was fully open to the public. While the public restrooms did have filters on the sinks, several employee bathrooms still did not have filters installed. On Tuesday, photographs obtained by the 7 Investigators showed there were no signs warning employees not to use the water.

The 7 Investigators have also learned that the county only tested one water system loop in the courthouse tower. The womens bathrooms on that loop were not tested.

The testing follows the path of the case which includes only mens restrooms. The Courthouse Tower is on a closed loop. It does not share water with the rest of the building, said Mullan in an email Wednesday.

The 7 Investigators asked Mullan why the county would not test other loops in the building, such as the prosecutors office wing, or the Treasurers office, or the Board of Commissioners' offices. With Legionella in a separate loop in the Sheriffs office, some employees have questioned why more locations in a busy public court building were not sampled. Mullan said they are following CDC protocol for the testing.

I would rather be proactive. Let's do the testing. Let's put the filters on. Let's be safe, and just make sure. But I'm not in charge of this building, I'm just a tenant, said Brown.

Brown says shes brought in bottled water, masks, and allowed immunocompromised employees to work remotely. Brown also wants the public to know they are open, but you don't have to come to the building to access their services.

I want people to know that many of our services are available online. So, if they don't have to come to the courthouse, thats just a reminder, said Brown. I'd rather people be safe and protected and have the knowledge that before they're walking into a building where they could possibly be exposed to something that could make them sick or worse.

Online services for the Oakland County Clerk can be accessed here.

Here are additional questions the 7 Investigators have asked of County Executive Coulters team and their answers:

Was a chlorine flush done at the courthouse?

In the Courthouse Tower building, we flushed the water supply system, which is ongoing out of an abundance of caution. In this instance, our water consultant recommended against hyperchlorination because of the overall age of the plumbing system in the building. In addition, we applied filters on all fixtures in the Courthouse Tower, even if they did not test positive for Legionella bacteria. We continue to sample and adjust for proper water temperatures and chlorine levels as well as conduct ongoing testing. It is important to note the Courthouse Tower, where the tests came back positive for Legionella, is on a closed loop from the rest of the courthouse complex.

When will the Oakland County Jail be tested?

Out of an abundance of caution, we also have flushed the main jail along with the Courthouse East Wing, Courthouse West Wing, Courthouse West Wing Extension, and the Courthouse Board of Commissioners. Right now, our immediate testing is focused on the paths of the two Legionella cases. As of this moment, there have been no Legionella cases reported that had exposure at the main jail. The risk for Legionella is low with fixtures and buildings that have constant water flow. Future testing of other county buildings will be part of a long-term water management plan in development for all county buildings.

When will Oakland County Children's Village be tested?

Again, our immediate testing is following the paths of the two Legionella cases. As of this moment, there have been no Legionella cases reported that had exposure at Childrens Village. The risk for Legionella is low with fixtures and buildings that have constant water flow. Future testing of other county buildings will be part of a long-term water management plan in development for all county buildings.

If you have a story for Heather Catallo please email her at hcatallo@wxyz.com

Legionella bacteria has been found inside the Oakland County Circuit Court building. County officials have confirmed that the potentially deadly bacteria was found inside mens bathrooms on the first and third floors, and in two sinks in the cafeteria.

The latest report in the video below

Legionella bacteria discovered inside Oakland County Circuit Court

The 7 Investigators previously reported Oakland County did not have a plan to routinely test its water system inside its buildings. A custodial employee was recently diagnosed with Legionnaires disease, revealing the presence of Legionella bacteria in the Oakland County Sheriffs Office headquarters.

Watch below: Oakland Co. had no plan to routinely test water prior to legionella discovery

Oakland Co. had no plan to routinely test water prior to legionella discovery

The 7 Investigators have confirmed from county officials that there was not a plan in place to regularly monitor the water system that feeds all 45 buildings that house the countys 5,300 employees.

In addition to the current employee who was diagnosed with Legionnaires disease, county officialssaidin a press release on Dec. 5 that someone who was not a county employee who tested positive for Legionnaires disease in Aprilhadlisted the Oakland County Circuit Court building as one of the places they visited during their exposure period.

Testing inside the court building started on Monday, Dc. 15. Now those test results are back, revealing additional locations of Legionella. A county spokeswoman said 11 locations in the courthouse were tested.

Legionella can cause a potentially deadly form of pneumonia.

After the initial discovery, the county purchased 44 .2-micron filters for water faucets throughout the county. Now they are replacing the filters at the courthouse and flushing the water system.

By taking immediate corrective action to remediate the presence of the bacteria, were ensuring a safe environment for Oakland County employees and visitors to the courthouse, said Oakland County Health Officer Kate Guzman.

Stay with wxyz.com for more information as this story unfolds.

If you have a story for Heather Catallo, please email her hcatallo@wxyz.com

Hes a highly paid Oakland County Deputy County Executive who works for the taxpayers. So why does an outside company that he owns have lucrative contracts with other local governments?

Watch Heather Catallo's video report: Advantage or conflict? Oakland Co. senior leaders private business in question

Financial disclosure has been a hot topic for months in Oakland County government. County officials have come under fire recently over outside jobs and outside business interests, prompting some to call for major ethics reforms.

So are these private business deals an advantage when it comes to experience, or are they conflicts of interest?

WEB EXTRA: Extended interview with Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter WEB EXTRA: Extended interview with Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter

Oakland County Deputy County Executive Sean Carlson knows procurement. Not only has he overseen Oakland Countys purchasing department, Carlson owns a procurement company. Its a staffing business that helps governments source goods and services.

Even though Carlson earns $224,487 a year as a Deputy County Executive, records obtained by the 7 Investigators show he also owns Procurement Consulting Group.

Its a private company that has provided purchasing staff to local governments, including Livingston County, the Washtenaw Intermediate School District and with neighboring Wayne County.

Carlson was hired by Oakland County in 2019. Records show Carlsons Procurement Consulting Group, or PCG, has been providing Wayne County with procurement staff since 2016. In 2023, PCG landed a Wayne County contract valued at up to $8,467,961.24 for 3 years and can be extended for 7 years for up to $14,522,783.14.

Related story: Oakland County commission asks lawmakers to create financial disclosure rules amid controversy Oakland County commission asks lawmakers to create financial disclosure rules amid controversy

In PCGs Wayne County contract, Carlson is listed as both a principal of the company and the owner.

Is that a conflict? asked 7 Investigator Heather Catallo.

A thousand percent, a thousand percent, said Oakland County Commissioner Charlie Cavell (D-Ferndale).

Lines have become very blurry in Oakland County in regard to serving the public or serving our private interests, said Oakland County Commissioner Kristen Nelson (D-Waterford).

Nelson and Cavell have been calling for financial disclosure and ethics reforms in Oakland County since May.

Sean'sbusiness wins that contract. And that's really bad, in my opinion, because he'sanOaklandCounty deputy executive making over $200,000 a year.His day job is to run IT, airports, economic development, andpurchasing, and the Pontiac redevelopment project.Purchasing is a core function of his job, said Cavell.

Carlson has been leading Oakland Countys redevelopment that will move county employees to downtown Pontiac, a project county officials say is expected to cost taxpayers between $370 - $390 million.

And thats not Carlsons only connection to the city. A few months after Oakland County closed on the land for the redevelopment deal on August 16, 2023, Pontiac city records show Carlsons Procurement Consulting Group landed a deal of their own with the city on January 31, 2024.

PCGs first invoice was paid on April 26, 2024, just days after Carlson appeared at the Pontiac city council meeting on April 16, 2024 with an update on the countys massive investment in their downtown.

And at the same meeting where Carlson updated the Pontiac City Council again in early 2025, the council voted to extend the PCG contract until July.

In total, city invoices show Pontiac has paid PCG $355,780.

Related Story: Oakland County leaders call for criminal investigation into controversial IT contract Oakland County leaders call for criminal investigation into controversial IT contract

That feels all too convenient, said Cavell. It'stheperceptionofbad behavior, because we need, as people in government, to have people trust us becausewe'reusing your money So, if youdon'ttrust us, then this whole thing falls apart.

City spokesman Jacob Jefferson told the 7 Investigators, The City of Pontiac was unaware of Mr. Carlsons connection with Procurement Consulting Group when we entered into a contract with the Company. The standard procurement process of the City was followed, and PCG was engaged using the consortium option.

Sean Carlson told the 7 Investigators he is not involved in the day-to-day operations with his company and said he had no idea PCG had gotten that contract with Pontiac until after it was approved.

Carlson said he told the Pontiac mayor he was the owner after he learned about the deal.

If you have disclosure, then you can stand up and look at the facts, said Jim Townsend.

Townsend is a former state representative and is now the director of the Carl Levin Center for Oversight and Democracy at Wayne State University. He says while not every outside job or source of income is inherently bad, Oakland County does need financial disclosure and ethics rules so taxpayers know who else is paying our public officials.

I would say in the absence of disclosure, thenI think residentshave a lot ofreasonto doubt that their interests are being well served, said Townsend.

The 7 Investigators asked several times to interview Sean Carlson on camera, and county officials told us no. So, we caught up with his boss County Executive David Coulter to ask about Carlsons company.

Isn't that a contract of interest? asked Catallo.

My understanding is he's taken no votes and made no decisions on the business that they pursue. He has put that into, not a trust per se, but treats it as if it's a separate entity, that hes not involved in, said Coulter.

How can you be sure he's not enriching himself with the relationships he's building with the county? asked Catallo.

I've seen no evidence of it, said Coulter. I've not seen a single bit of evidence that says that he has enriched himself or done something inappropriately.

Late on Wednesday, Sean Carlson answered questions by phone. He was transparent and even answered questions about his outside income, saying when asked that he earns between $250,000 and $500,000 dollars from PCG, depending on the year.

Carlson says PCG has saved Wayne County about $30 million. He also says his vast experience in procurement actually helps Oakland County in his role overseeing Economic Development.

Meanwhile, Executive Coulters top appointees will all be publicly disclosing their outside income and jobs starting in January 2026.

Carlson says he disclosed his finances to his bosses last summer, and will also have to continue to do that since hes now running for state senate.

If you have a story for Heather Catallo, please email her at hcatallo@wxyz.com

The Michigan State Police will not be investigating how a $450,000 IT contract got awarded to a current Oakland County employee, even though a law firm investigation revealed that state law was broken.

Top ranking officials in Oakland County Executive David Coulters administration have said publicly they did not see a need to refer this matter to law enforcement, but other leaders, including Oakland County Commissioner Michael Spisz (R-Oxford) and Oakland County Commissioner Kristen Nelson (D-Waterford) said it should be up to the police to decide what to investigate.

On October 29, 2025, Spisz filed a police report with the Oakland County Sheriffs Office. The Sheriff referred the police report to the Michigan State Police for investigation.

We did review the allegations sent to us from the Oakland County Sheriff's Office. It was determined that none of the allegations required criminal investigation, said Michigan State Police First Lt. Michael Shaw.

But Spisz, who filed the original complaint, says no one from the Michigan State Police called him before determining no investigation was warranted.

I found out from the Michigan State Police they were not willing to open an investigation after discussions with the Attorney General's office, Spisz told 7 Investigator Heather Catallo. I'm disappointed, frustrated.

Spisz said the only time he talked to the state police was when he called them after learning from the 7 Investigators they were not going to pursue the case.

The Oakland County IT contract was a staffing contract for the countys Courts and Law Enforcement Information System (CLEMIS) computer network.

The Countys Information Technology department had been in charge of CLEMIS for years, but the county recently spun if off into its own authority.

County officials say the ZaydLogix LLC contract violated state law when it was awarded to a current county employee back in June.

Spisz said he disagreed with the countys decision in October not to refer the investigation into the $450,000 ZaydLogix LLC contract to law enforcement.

We don't see a need to make any sort of formal referral to law enforcement, said Chief Deputy County Executive Walt Herzig on October 21, 2025. The investigation did not find any evidence of attempts to defraud the county.

Watch below: Investigation: Oakland Co. contract with employees private company violated state law

Investigation: Oakland Co. contract with employees private company violated state law

After a whistleblower sent an email to county leadership last summer alleging government employees were using their position for personal gain, county officials spent $17,836 on an outside law firm, Miller, Canfield, Paddock & Stone to investigate.

The contract was cancelled before any money was paid, but Miller Canfield found that awarding the contract to a current county employee broke state law and violated county rules.

County Executive David Coulters legal team has only released an unsigned summary of the Miller Canfield report; they have so far refused to release the actual investigation to both the public and to County Commissioners. The 7 investigators filed several Freedom of Information Act Requests for the report; they have all been denied. 7 Investigator Heather Catallo appealed the denial, but Executive Coulter denied that appeal and refused to release the report that allegedly details who approved the awarding of the contract.

I'd still like to see the report, the actual Miller Canfield report that's out there. They [MSP] haven't seen it either. Nobody's really pushed to get access to that. So, at this time, I'm looking for other opportunities or other options that we can do to hopefully get a hold of that. Because from what I understand, there was still a state law violated, said Spisz.

Related Story: Oakland County leaders call for criminal investigation into controversial IT contract

Oakland County leaders call for criminal investigation into controversial IT contract

In making its determination that there was not evidence of criminal conduct as alleged in the complaint, this Department reviewed police reports and the original complaint, among other material, and spoke directly with the complainant via phone calls and emails, said Danny Wimmer, Press Secretary for Attorney General Dana Nessel.

Spisz said this is not accurate, and that no one from the Attorney General's office ever contacted him.

The 7 Investigators asked Wimmer if the Attorney General had seen the Miller Canfield full report or just the summary. He has not responded yet.

I'm not done with this issue, said Spisz.

The fact that that report has not been published is concerning, said Oakland County Commissioner Kristen Nelson (D-Waterford) at the time the original police report was filed. Absolutely, we should be moving forward with an investigation by law enforcement, 100 percent Michigan law was broken and yet we are not doing anything or going to pursue a further investigation via law enforcement regarding this? That doesn't sound right. That sounds very suspicious.

Related Story: Investigation: Oakland Co. contract with employee's private company violated state law Investigation: Oakland Co. contract with employees private company violated state law

How does it make government any different than anybody else if we don't investigate our own? Investigate those within government that are making decisions every day on behalf of the taxpayers? I mean, that's not a good look, said Spisz.

Oakland County Public Information Officer Bill Mullan previously sent this statement to the 7 Investigators:

Residents and taxpayers of Oakland County have a right to transparency and accountability in county operations. An independent investigation by Miller Canfield found that while the ZaydLogix contract was improperly awarded, there was no effort to defraud the county, the county suffered no financial loss and county administration acted immediately and transparently once the issue came to light. The county stands by the findings of the independent investigation, has implemented corrective measures and remains fully committed to cooperating with any further review law enforcement may undertake.

The employee who received the contract retired from the county and received a four-week suspension of pay. A CLEMIS supervisor resigned from the county and was suspended without pay for four weeks. A county official also said the department director was suspended without pay for three days, and the evaluator who reviewed the ZaydLogix bid was suspended without pay for two days.

If you have a story for Heather Catallo, please email her at hcatallo@wxyz.com

Oakland County has now expanded water testing for Legionella bacteria to the Oakland County Circuit Court Building.

The county made the announcement Friday after the Oakland County Sheriff's Office closed its administrative building following an employee of the sheriff's office testing positive for Legionnaires' disease.

Watch Heather Catallo's video report: Oakland County expands water testing for Legionella bacteria to courthouse

According to the county spokesperson, the county did additional testing and obtained water samples from the administration building where he worked, and those samples came back positive for Legionella.

Oakland Countys top priority is the health and safety of our employees, said Health Officer Kate Guzman in a statement. There is no immediate risk to the public and we are taking all necessary steps to address the Legionella found in the building.

Legionella bacteria is usually found in water and can cause a form of pneumonia. Its not clear how long the cleanup will take or when critical sheriffs office employees can return to their headquarters.

"We're trying to put together what that plan looks like, how quickly and obviously given the critical operations there... we need to have a sense of urgency to get this building back up and running," Sheriff Michael Bouchard said. "But we're not gonna do that if it puts anybody at risk."

Watch Ruta Ulcinaite's video report: Oakland County expands water testing for Legionella bacteria to courthouse

This expansion of water testing to the courthouse is for "due diligence" after the county said a person who was not a county employee tested positive for Legionnaires' disease last April and listed the courthouse as one of the places they visited during their exposure period.

"The infection happens when we inhale small water droplets like cooling towers or air conditioners that have not been properly cleaned," Dr. Teena Chopra with the Detroit Medical Center said. "So water systems in the building have not been properly cleaned."

A county spokesperson confirmed to 7 News Detroit that the county plans to test all of the buildings on the campus. This does include the county jail, but officials say at this moment, the jail is not a building of interest in their environmental investigation.

VIDEO: Ask Dr. Nandi: What is Legionnaires' Disease?

The Oakland County Sheriffs Administration Building, known as 38E, is one of the buildings where employees are being told not to come in to work. All personnel in the building should work remotely until it is deemed safe to come back. A custodial employee who works in the building is the person who became sick with the bacteria.

"Our first concern, obviously, is our employees," Bouchard said.

Dr. Jonathan Samuels, an emergency room physician, says hes frequented the building for the past four years for a case before a probate court.

They need to test throughout all the bathrooms and drinking fountains, and really anyone whos in an older building should be concerned about using the drinking fountains, said Samuels, who we spoke with as he left the Oakland County Courthouse on Friday.

Watch Darren Cunningham's video report below: Legionella investigation expands in Oakland County

Samuels wasnt surprised to learn the health department is testing water for Legionella bacteria.

The people who really should be concerned are current or former smokers, people over 50, people with compromised immune systems. Its more common than people probably realize, Samuels said.

It's interesting that the legionella bacteria when it causes an infection without pneumonia, they actually call it Pontiac Fever after an outbreak at a Pontiac county health facility in 1968.

Employees or recent building visitors who are experiencing flu-like or pneumonia-like symptoms are urged to seek medical care and inform their provider of a possible exposure.

"If they have any symptoms of headache, because those are very early on, mild headaches... flu-like symptoms, they should go and get checked out," Chopra said. "Especially under the circumstances with one employee being confirmed, others who have symptoms should get tested right away."

The Sheriff's Office has provided the following guidance to employees:

This message is to inform all Oakland County Sheriffs Office personnel of an important health and safety matter involving Building 38E (the Sheriffs Administration Building). On Thursday evening, the Oakland County Health Department received preliminary Legionella bacteria test results from the State of Michigan for water samples taken from Building 38E. These tests were initiated after a custodial employee who works in the building was diagnosed with Legionnaires Disease. A number of the collected samples have tested positive for the presence of Legionella bacteria. Out of an abundance of caution, Building 38E will be closed on Friday, December 5, and through the weekend. This temporary closure will allow the Health Department and the Facilities Department to implement a mitigation plan in coordination with the operational needs of the Sheriffs Office. <b>Guidance for All Sheriffs Office Personnel</b> While this closure directly impacts employees assigned to 38E, any Sheriffs Office employee who has visited or worked in Building 38E recently should be aware of the situation and monitor their health accordingly. If you experience flu-like or pneumonia-like symptoms, please seek medical treatment immediately and inform your healthcare provider of a potential exposure so they can conduct appropriate testing and treatment. Additionally, please notify your immediate supervisor. Be advised The Oakland County Health Department is not equipped or capable of performing testing at this time. <b>General Information</b> Legionella bacteria are commonly found in natural and man-made water systems. While most individuals exposed do not become ill, people who are immunocompromised may be more susceptible to infection. A fact sheet with additional information is attached for your awareness. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available and as remediation efforts progress. The health and safety of our personnel remain our top priority, and we appreciate your cooperation and attentiveness as we work through this issue.

The Michigan Department of Health and Human Services confirmed to 7 News Detroit that they are assisting the Oakland County Health Division in this process:

"MDHHS is supporting the Oakland County Health Division with this investigation by providing epidemiology and industrial hygiene support, such as what information and specimens to collect, where water system testing should be done, review of documents such as water management plans, all in accordance with our established response protocols."

The United Auto Workers Union, which represents many county employees, released the following statement:

"The union is very concerned about its members in light of the recent legionnaires outbreak on campus. Weve begun working with the county administration to ensure that our members are working in a safe environment. The county has agreed to continue testing and remediation, and has recently communicated the situation to our membership."

Anyone with questions can call the county's Oakland Connects Helpline at 800-848-5533.

Im hoping we caught it early and we get on top of it early and they remediate it quickly and we dont have anybody else get sick. Thats best-case scenario, Bouchard said.

Oakland County is investigating a possible Legionnaires' disease outbreak. County officials confirm to the 7 Investigators that an employee has tested positive for Legionella.

Update: County expands water testing to the courthouse VIDEO: Ask Dr. Nandi: What is Legionnaires' Disease?

According to the county spokesperson, the county did additional testing and obtained water samples from the building where he worked, and those samples came back positive for Legionella.

The 7 Investigators have confirmed with multiple sources that the Oakland County Sheriffs Administration Building, known as 38E, is one of the buildings where employees are being told not to come in to work. All personnel in the building should work remotely until it is deemed safe to come back.

Employees or recent building visitors who are experiencing flu-like or pneumonia-like symptoms are urged to seek medical care and inform their provider of a possible exposure.

The Sheriff's Department has provided the following guidance to employees:

This message is to inform all Oakland County Sheriffs Office personnel of an important health and safety matter involving Building 38E (the Sheriffs Administration Building). On Thursday evening, the Oakland County Health Department received preliminary Legionella bacteria test results from the State of Michigan for water samples taken from Building 38E. These tests were initiated after a custodial employee who works in the building was diagnosed with Legionnaires Disease. A number of the collected samples have tested positive for the presence of Legionella bacteria. Out of an abundance of caution, Building 38E will be closed on Friday, December 5, and through the weekend. This temporary closure will allow the Health Department and the Facilities Department to implement a mitigation plan in coordination with the operational needs of the Sheriffs Office. <b>Guidance for All Sheriffs Office Personnel</b> While this closure directly impacts employees assigned to 38E, any Sheriffs Office employee who has visited or worked in Building 38E recently should be aware of the situation and monitor their health accordingly. If you experience flu-like or pneumonia-like symptoms, please seek medical treatment immediately and inform your healthcare provider of a potential exposure so they can conduct appropriate testing and treatment. Additionally, please notify your immediate supervisor. Be advised The Oakland County Health Department is not equipped or capable of performing testing at this time. <b>General Information</b> Legionella bacteria are commonly found in natural and man-made water systems. While most individuals exposed do not become ill, people who are immunocompromised may be more susceptible to infection. A fact sheet with additional information is attached for your awareness. We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available and as remediation efforts progress. The health and safety of our personnel remain our top priority, and we appreciate your cooperation and attentiveness as we work through this issue.Stay with 7 News Detroit and WXYZ.com for more on this breaking news.

The Oakland County Sheriffs Office has disciplined one of their part-time employees who also works as an Oakland County road commissioner.

The 7 Investigators first showed you how Road Commissioner James Esshaki was accused of threatening a road commission employee on the job back in June.

Related Story: Oakland County road commissioner accused of making threats, wasting millions Oakland County road commissioner accused of making threats, wasting millions

Esshaki is also a part-time Oakland County Sheriffs marine deputy. After an independent investigation found that Esshaki violated the Road Commission workplace policy about violence in the workplace, the Oakland County Sheriffs Office announced they would investigate Esshakis off-duty conduct.

That investigation is now over. OCSO Public Information Officer Stephen Huber issued this statement to the 7 Investigators:

Even though James Esshaki was off duty during the encounter and was not acting in any capacity as a part-time marine deputy with the Oakland County Sheriffs Office, our investigation found that his conduct fell short of the high standards we require of all Sheriffs Office personnel. As a result, he received a written reprimand and was directed to undergo additional training.

Esshaki previously issued a written apology about his conduct with Road Commission of Oakland County long-time foreman Walter Mersino Jr.

The Road Commissions clerk was asked to read Esshakis apology into the record at RCOC board meeting this fall:

The entire situation was unfortunate and regrettable. Obviously, tensions were elevated. I extend a sincere public apology to Mr. Mersino. I also apologize to any other person I upset by my actions. Moving forward, it is my goal to set a new standard of civility and professionalism. For my part, I accept responsibility for any words or actions that may have been perceived as offensive or threatening. My intent is to serve the citizens of Oakland County to the best of my ability, always placing the interests of those traversing our roads at the forefront. Sincerely, James Esshaki, Road Commission for Oakland County Vice Chairman.

Even though the Road Commission of Oakland County is separate from county government, the County Board of Commissioners are the ones who appoint the Road Commissioners.

That means theyre the only ones who can remove or discipline those appointees. Under state law, a road commissioner is entitled to a hearing before removal.

Thats why back on October 16th, Oakland County Commissioner Mike Spisz (R-Oxford) introduced a resolution to hold a hearing to determine Esshakis future as a road commissioner.

With any other employee in any other organization or even within the county we'd be having discussions and hearings relative to that individual and any potential disciplinary action. Why would we treat an appointed commissioner any different? said Spisz.

But the Commissions Democratic majority caucus had already agreed to stop Commissioner Spiszs efforts to hold that hearing.

Commissioner Spisz is I think going to introduce -- he might not introduce it. I meanIm told hes going to introduce it, Oakland County Commission Chair Dave Woodward (D-Royal Oak) told his fellow caucus members moments before that October 16th meeting.

So basically, there's a resolution that may come before us to unseat Esshaki. And we're trying to see if we have any interest here of doing that? No, no, no. We're all set, Chairman, said Commissioner Angela Powell (D-Pontiac) as she polled her fellow commissioners during Democratic caucus.

They later voted down that resolution at the full board meeting, which sent the resolution to the LAGO committee where it stalled there for weeks.

Related Story: Road commissioner's alleged workplace threat back in discussion at committee meeting Road commission workers continue to speak out

After the 7 Investigators started asking why nothing had been done to hold that hearing on the road commissioners alleged threat, the resolution was suddenly added to a committee agenda for Tuesday morning, a change some commissioners applauded.

There needs to be some kind of public disclosure from both parties and the report, as to what are the events that actually took place to put, in my opinion, both parties at ease, said Commissioner Karen Joliat (R-Waterford).

On Tuesday, Esshaki told the 7 Investigators he never threatened Mersino.

The incident was witnessed by a second road commission employee. Mersino filed a police report and an incident report with the Road Commission.

All road commission employees are required to report any threats of violence, according to their work policies.

Related Story: Road commissioner facing backlash for 'threat of violence' He should be removed. Road commissioner facing backlash for threat of violence

An outside lawyer was brought in to investigate and recently issued an extensive report. After interviewing nine witnesses, attorney Heidi Hudson determined, Mr. Esshaki engaged in behavior and made comments that constituted a threat of violence, and which constituted intimidation and harassment. Hudson also wrote in her report, Many witnesses expressed concern about retaliation from Mr. Esshaki, indicating they did not know if he had the ability to interfere with their employment.

In the report that was shared with the Road Commission, the Oakland County Board of Commissioners, and Oakland Countys Corporation Counsel in early September, Hudson also said, As a Road Commissioner [Esshaki] holds a position of power over Mr. Mersino. Arguably he should be held to a higher standard of behavior, but at a minimum he should follow the applicable workplace conduct policy.

Records show Esshaki declined to be interviewed for that outside investigation, with his lawyer saying he would not dignify the baseless accusations made against him and referred to the investigation into the workplace policy violation as a waste of tax-payer money!

The resolution to hold a hearing into Esshakis actions now sits with the Oakland County Economic Development Infrastructure Committee which is chaired by Commissioner Yolanda Smith Charles (D-Southfield).

I believe he should be removed. I was the one that he threatened on the job site. And where I work its no tolerance [for] violence if that happens, an employee is fired, said Mersino.

If you have a story for Heather Catallo please email her at hcatallo@wxyz.com.

Three local men facing terrorism charges consented to detention in Detroit federal court Monday morning.

Watch Heather Catallo's video report: 3 alleged terror plot suspects to remain in custody

20-year-old Mohmed Ali, his brother 19-year-old Ayob Nasser, and 20-year-old Majed Mahmoud are all charged with providing material support to ISIS and with having firearms that would be used to commit an act of terrorism.

FBI agents say they were stockpiling weapons, including AR-15 style rifles, more than 1600 rounds of ammunition, and tactical gear. Federal court records also show the suspects travelled to local gun ranges to practice with their weapons as they prepared for what federal prosecutors say was a planned mass casualty terror attack on American soil.

When the FBI raided locations in Dearborn and Inkster on Halloween, they said evidence showed the suspects repeatedly referenced pumpkin day as part of the terror attack on Halloween weekend.

PREVIOUS STORY: 2 Dearborn men charged in alleged Halloween terror plot targeting Ferndale 2 Dearborn men charged in alleged Halloween terror plot targeting Ferndale

Court records show the men had allegedly scoped out LGBTQ+ bars in Ferndale, and they also visited Cedar Point Amusement Park, leading agents to believe these were their potential targets.

PREVIOUS REPORT: 3 more men arrested in alleged Halloween terror plot, FBI investigates at Cedar Point 3 more men arrested in alleged Halloween terror plot, FBI investigates at Cedar Point

Now those three suspects will be staying behind bars after their attorneys told a federal magistrate judge Monday morning that all 3 men are consenting to detention.

Were going to waive our challenge to detention at this time, said attorney Jim Thomas, whos representing Nasser.

We do consent to detention without prejudice to raise the issue of release at a later time, said attorney William Swor, who is representing Mahmoud.

Attorney Amir Makled also told U.S. Magistrate Judge Anthony Patti that his client, Ali, will consent to detention.

The next time we see these defendants in court, it'll be for their arraignment on the indictment. They'll be indicted pretty soon. The government has telegraphed that, said Matthew Schneider, former U.S. Attorney for the Eastern District of Michigan.

Schneider says even though the FBI provided a lot of detail about the case in their 93-page criminal complaint, complaints expire, which means formal indictments will happen, potentially as soon as this week.

The feds have been working on this case since at least 2024, and even though the recent arrests have been happening quickly, Schneider says the whole case is about to slow down due to a Notice of Intent to use Foreign Intelligence Surveillance Act Information.

It's secret classified information, said Schneider. It means that they were surveilling these defendants in some ways that they haven't made known yet. They might have been using some secret surveillance types, and they haven't disclosed that publicly.

A total of 8 suspects around the country have been arrested so far, including two in New Jersey and one in Washington state.

Schneider says while it appears federal prosecutors have a lot of evidence, the defense attorneys now involved are no strangers to complex terrorism cases. Thomas, Swor, and attorney Mike Rataj were part of the high-profile Hutaree case in 2010. Thomas and Swor also defended clients in a high-profile post-9/11 terrorism case.

This is a very sophisticated prosecution, and it's going to be very difficult, and it is a big burden to overcome. It's to these defendants advantage that they have such sophisticated defense counsel who have done this before. They know the ins and outs, not only of the federal courthouse but of these particular types of charges, said Schneider.

There are two juveniles charged as well. Their cases are under seal, which means no one is allowed to talk about those cases.

Nasser, Ali, and Mahmoud were all scheduled for preliminary examinations later this month. If they are indicted, those preliminary exams will likely be cancelled, according to legal experts.

None of the defense counsel would discuss the case publicly on Monday, and friends and family of the accused suspects also declined to be interviewed as they left federal court.

If you have a story for Heather Catallo, please email her at hcatallo@wxyz.com