DETROIT (Michigan News Source) – The former Chief Financial Officer (CFO) of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy will be sentenced in March after pleading guilty to wire fraud and money laundering.

The June arrest of 52-year-old William Smith came after investigators say he siphoned $44 million from the group. The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy works to transform spaces along the Detroit River with projects like plazas, pavilions, parks, and recreation space.

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Smith could face more than 15 years in prison when sentenced.