EASTPOINTE, Mich - The Michigan Attorney General's Office is actively investigating allegations involving the finances of the Eastpointe Firefighters Union after Michigan State Police completed a probe and referred the case for further review.

The investigation centers on allegations of more than $40,000 in questionable transactions involving two former officials with Eastpointe Firefighters Local 1561, as well as claims that financial records were destroyed.

 It seems like a bad situation for everybody involved,  a source with direct knowledge of the concerns said.

The source requested anonymity because of fears of retaliation. The source told me they have firsthand knowledge of accusations that have circulated throughout Eastpointe for months.

 From what I am being told it was used like a slush fund for what they wanted,  the source said.

I obtained five years of union financial documents that reveal nearly $19,000 in cash and ATM withdrawals by former union officials that were flagged during an audit. I also obtained a sworn statement detailing an internal review of Eastpointe Firefighters Local 1561.

Documents reviewed by 7 News Detroit indicate some of the questioned transactions included Detroit Tigers tickets purchased through StubHub.

 A lot of beverage and food things that don't seem like they go along with supporting organized unions,  the source said.

The allegations have created divisions within the community, according to the source.  Hearing from the firefighters in the city, I know that it has torn that place apart,  the source said.

Separate campaign finance concern

In addition to the spending allegations, I obtained a document from the Michigan Department of State involving one of the former union officials. The document states the former official admitted to contributing $500 to an Eastpointe City Council candidate using union funds. Michigan law prohibits a single cash contribution greater than $20. A state elections official concluded:  Based on the above, the Department concludes that the evidence is sufficient to determine that there may be reason to believ

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