Jerome R. Watson

On behalf of the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department (“DWSD”), Miller Canfield conducted an investigation of the charges set forth in an indictment returned by a federal grand jury under the auspices of the United States Department of Justice alleging public corruption and other wrongful conduct involving the Kwame Kilpatrick mayoral administration and various DWSD contractors and vendors. As a result of its investigation, Miller Canfield filed in federal court on behalf of the City of Detroit (including DWSD) a civil RICO action against approximately 20 defendant companies and individuals, alleging civil RICO violations, including bribery, extortion, obstruction of justice, mail fraud, wire fraud, money laundering and other charges.  After protracted discovery and motion practice, the civil RICO action was eventually settled against a number of the defendants for substantial sums of money. In connection with its work for DWSD, Miller Canfield also drafted the Detroit Water and Sewerage Department Suspension and Debarment Policy, which governs contractual relations between DWSD and its contractors and vendors.    

Represented a Canadian construction company in a breach of employment contract action filed in Federal District Court. Secured dismissal of the matter on jurisdictional and improper venue grounds.

Defended a class action case in which plaintiffs sought to recover over $250 million from a public entity based on claims that the entity violated various state and local statutes and constitutional provisions in collecting taxes. The circuit court granted summary disposition on all of plaintiffs' claims -- a decision which was affirmed by the Michigan Court of Appeals and the Michigan Supreme Court.

Represented a public school district in a class action brought  by former employees who claimed that their layoffs were the result of age discrimination. Summary disposition granted by Wayne County Circuit Court and affirmed by the Michigan Court of Appeals. 

Represented a major retailer accused of race discrimination in a class action contesting its hiring and promotion decisions. Case was resolved for nuisance value.

Represented a Michigan university and its Board of Regents in a case filed by the former university president alleging a violation of the Whistleblower's Protection Act and intentional infliction of emotional distress. Secured summary disposition on both claims.

Represented a Fortune 500 staffing services company that was sued by four managers who were terminated during a reduction in force. The managers asserted various age discrimination claims in their Federal District Court lawsuit. After a three-week trial, the jury no caused the plaintiffs, deciding in favor of the company on all claims.

Represented a public school district in its lawsuit seeking to recover millions of dollars of funds which the school district paid to various vendor defendants that did not have authorized contracts. Successfully secured an eight-figure settlement for the district and also obtained multi-million dollar judgments against former school district employees.