​Detective In Oakland County Accused Of Embezzling Over $50,000

OAKLAND COUNTY, MI — Felony charges have been filed against a Hazel Park police detective who is accused of conducting a criminal enterprise and embezzling more than $65,000 in public asset forfeiture funds following a joint investigation between the FBI and the Michigan State Police, the Michigan Attorney General's Office announced Wednesday.

Sean Boucher, 45, of Warren, is scheduled to be arraigned at 10 a.m. Thursday in Oakland County’s 43rd District Court in Ferndale on felony charges of conducting a criminal enterprise, embezzling between $50,000 and $100,000 and five counts of embezzlement by a public official of more than $50, charging documents show.

The most severe of those charges is conducting a criminal enterprise, which is a 20-year felony, according to Michigan law.

“This joint operation is an excellent example of law enforcement working together to serve in the public’s best interest,” Michigan Attorney General Dana Nessel said. “As a member of law enforcement, you pledge your professional life to the service of others, which is grounded in trust with the community in which an officer serves. My office is committed to rebuilding and upholding the public’s trust in government and law enforcement, and I will go to great lengths to root out corruption and misuse of authority in pursuit of justice.”

Boucher turned himself in to police Wednesday morning at the Michigan State Police North Metro Post in Oak Park, state prosecutors said.

The case was presented to the Michigan Department of Attorney General for prosecution following an investigation by the Federal Bureau of Investigation Detroit Area Public Corruption Task Force, officials said.

Michigan law provides for the seizure of funds and property that were used during or derived from criminal activity, the AG's office explained. The public asset forfeiture funds are meant to be used to support law enforcement operations through training, equipment and other resources, officials said.

Civil forfeiture has been a controversial process, with allegations across the state of some elected law enforcement officials using assets seized on legal grounds for personal gain.

Authorities allege Boucher embezzled about $68,000 for his own personal use over the course of several incidents between 2013 and 2017.

"Mr. Boucher allegedly stole from the city of Hazel Park and its citizens, depriving them of needed projects and public services,” said Timothy Waters, Special Agent in Charge of the FBI’s Detroit Field Office. “Make no mistake, any public servant who exploits his position of trust to enrich himself will be held accountable.”

Boucher was placed on administrative leave on Sept. 11, 2017, by the Hazel Park Police Department and suspended the following day. He resigned on Sept. 15, 2017.

“We would like to thank the FBI Detroit Area Public Corruption Task Force for investigating these crimes,” Hazel Park Police Chief Brian Buchholz said. “The residents of Hazel Park put their trust in the defendant to uphold the law, and that trust was broken. These charges should in no way be a reflection of the members of this department who serve this city with honor and integrity every day.”