Doofus of the Day: The Bridge Troll is Going to Jail
A Wayne County judge this morning sent billionaire Manuel (Matty) Moroun and his chief deputy at the Ambassador Bridge company, Dan Stamper, to jail until they are in compliance with his order to finish building ramps connecting the Ambassador Bridge to nearby expressways.
Lawyers sought stays of his order, but Circuit Judge Prentis Edwards denied the motion and others seeking the immediate release of the two men.
Wayne County sheriff’s deputies led both men out of court through a back door in the courtroom at 10:15 a.m.
Defense lawyers declined comment after the hearing but said they would appeal immediately to the Michigan Court of Appeals.
Michigan Department of Transportation Chief Operating Officer Greg Johnson said it would take at minimum a year to complete ramps, lanes and other unfinished elements of the project if the Bridge Company cooperated fully.
“We take no joy or satisfaction in seeing these men incarcerated,” Johnson said, adding, the state only wants to see the project completed.
Earlier: Lawyers argue Moroun doesn’t control bridge
Earlier in the hearing, Judge Edwards said, “It is clear” that the Detroit International Bridge Co. ‘does not intend to comply with the court order’ to finish work delayed by more than two years.
Frank says: