News, Culture and NPR for Central & Northern Michigan
Play Live Radio
Next Up:
0:00
0:00
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
91.7FM Alpena and WCML-TV Channel 6 Alpena have been restored. Click here to learn more.

Larry Inman charged with attempted extortion, soliciting a bribe, and lying to the FBI

A northern Michigan state representative expressed surprise Wednesday at his indictment for seeking a bribe from a labor union in exchange for a favorable vote on a wage issue.

Traverse City state representative Larry Inman’s office is locked and dark.    Shortly after the federal indictment was announced, state House Speaker Lee Chatfield directed the House Business Office to take control of the office.

The speaker says “Everyone in the House is surprised”.  Including apparently Larry Inman.

Inman ran from a committee meeting as reporters tried to ask him about the charges announced by the U.S. Attorney’s office.

Inman is accused of seeking campaign contributions in exchange for voting to keep the wage law. In the end, he voted with the majority to repeal it.

The Republican lawmaker is charged with attempted extortion, soliciting a bribe and lying to the FBI.

Steve Carmody has been a reporter for Michigan Public since 2005.