Macomb Authorities: No Crime Committed in Chesterfield Township Vehicle Deal

Updated: 3 p.m. Friday

Following a two-week investigation into alleged wrongdoing in Chesterfield Township, Macomb County authorities said Friday no crimes were committed.

The investigation revolved around the sale of used township vehicles that Supervisor Michael Lovelock proposed at a recent board meeting. Multiple board members said they approved to sell the six vehicles for $4,000 but weren't aware the purchaser is the boyfriend of Lovelock's daughter.

Chesterfield Township Police Chief Bruce Smith brought the matter to the Sheriff's Office because he and Lovelock were accused of favoritism. Smith was heard on an audio recording, asking a dispatcher to not impound the driver's newly purchased truck after he was stopped for speeding without a valid title.

"I would have done the same thing had it been any other citizen or resident that had a problem like that," Smith said Friday of those circumstances.

Although Lovelock informed him of the traffic stop, the police chief said he knew township vehicles had recently been sold.

"They were taking the vehicle from the DPW (Department of Public Works) yard...and they were going to Armada," he said. "You have up to three days from the time of sale to move the vehicle from point of sale or point of storage to the most direct route.”

He added that the sergeant on duty at the time had already determined that the driver would get a pass if the vehicle was recently purchased. When there were allegations of potential misdeeds, however, Smith said he immediately brought it to the outside party to investigate. 

The Sheriff's Office conducted numerous interviews regarding the matter and presented the findings to the Prosecutor's Office for review. On Thursday, the Prosecutor's Office completed its review and decided there was no evidence of a crime. The case is now closed, according to the Sheriff's Office.

Lovelock has not responded to repeated requests for comment on this matter.