Eastpointe, MI – Monique Owens, the mayor of Eastpointe, has been sentenced to six months of probation and 100 hours of community service after pleading no contest to a reduced charge related to misusing COVID-19 relief funds for personal business purposes.
The sentence was handed down by Macomb County Circuit Judge Jennifer Faunce on Thursday. However, the plea agreement was almost not accepted after Owens made remarks in court that appeared to address supporters rather than the judge. Faunce expressed concerns over Owens’ lack of accountability, questioning whether the mayor was truly accepting responsibility for her actions.
Judge Faunce told Owens, “You made me really question whether you’re taking responsibility here,” and added that the mayor’s actions had been a “disappointment” to the residents of Eastpointe. Faunce also asked Owens directly, “Are you talking to TV or me as a judge?” suggesting that Owens’ comments might indicate she was not fully acknowledging her wrongdoing.
In September, Owens had paid $10,000 in restitution to the county as part of her plea deal, which Assistant Prosecutor Kumar Palepu confirmed had cleared. Despite this, Owens’ demeanor during the court proceedings, where she was occasionally seen smirking, raised further concerns.
The 39-year-old mayor had faced significant controversy during her time in office, and she did not make it past the August primary election to advance to the general election. She is also facing a lawsuit from residents over a separate matter, further tarnishing her political career.
The case highlights growing concerns over the misuse of government relief funds and underscores the importance of accountability for public officials in positions of trust.