Wilmington City Council president Hanifa Shabazz is reacting to the indictment of her predecessor for allegedly using his office for financial gain.
Former council president Theo Gregory was indicted Monday on charges of official misconduct and profiteering.
The state Department of Justice claims he pressured Shabazz, then in-coming Council President, to approve grant money for his long-dormant nonprofit in 2016. DOJ says Shabazz approved a $40,000 grant to the Police Athletic League for Gregory’s organization the next year.
“This is an unfortunate situation," said Shabazz in a statement Tuesday. She said it is her priority that current council members “continue to do the business of the City with integrity and transparency.”
Shabazz also notes Council instituted additional protocols for awarding grants over $5,000 — which now must be approved by the full council.
The News Journal reported this summer that after grants of $5,000 to various organizations were voted down by Council, Shabazz awarded grants of $4,900 instead.
