Heather Catallo
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7 Investigative Reporter, Chaser of Bad Guys, Righter of Wrongs. Mom. Big fan of free speech & pugs. @NewhouseSU grad.
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Articles by Heather Catallo
Oakland County officials flew to Motorola, dined with vendor before key vote
(WXYZ) — Questions are being raised again about the Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chair taking an out-of-state trip to a county vendor. The 7 Investigators first told you how Flock Safety flew Dave Woodward (D-Royal Oak) to their company headquarters, and that Woodward did not disclose that visit before a key vote on Flock drones. Now the 7 Investigators have uncovered yet another trip that was not publicly disclosed before a vote.
Oakland Co. recall effort ends as group vows to challenge Woodward, others in 2028
(WXYZ) — The effort to recall the Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chair has ended, but the organizers say they are now planning to challenge Chair Dave Woodward and several other commissioners in the next election. In April, the group ‘I Am Oakland County’ launched a recall effort against Woodward (D-Royal Oak) after the commission chair and others voted to move public comment until after a controversial vote to approve the use of drones from Flock Safety.
'Let him face justice.' Michigan pedophile ring victims question delays in search for key suspect
(WXYZ) — He’s been on the run for five decades. In 1976, Dyer Grossman was charged with sex crimes in Michigan, but skipped town before police could lock him up. Now the 7 Investigators have learned that prosecutors and police have recently been working to bring the key suspect in a pedophile ring to justice, but his survivors say they're tried of waiting to learn Grossman's fate. Grossman is now 85.
From code to closure: The Ann Arbor company that helped identify 9/11 victims
ANN ARBOR, MI (WXYZ) — A call to service. That’s how an Ann Arbor man describes the years he spent helping to identify the victims of the 9/11 attacks in New York. In the months and years following the terrorist attacks, a small staff of software programmers and computer scientists in Ann Arbor worked around the clock to try to bring some answers to thousands of grieving families.
North Fox Island memorial honors survivors of decades-old abuse ring
(WXYZ) — It’s a northern Michigan island with a dark and disturbing past. Fifty years ago, police and survivors say several boys were sexually assaulted on North Fox Island as part of a massive pedophile and child pornography ring. Now, a special memorial is being installed on the island to honor the survivors.
Judge keeps Orion Township lawsuit against Oakland County alive; wants sides to get in a room and solve it
PONTIAC, Mich. (WXYZ) — The 7 Investigators were the first to tell you about the fight for transparency by one local leader who says Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter and his administration have been refusing to give his township key information.
Man who says he shared cell with Oakland County Child Killer suspect speaks out
(WXYZ) — He is a key suspect in one of Michigan’s most notorious unsolved murder mysteries: the Oakland County Child Killer case. Now the man who says he shared a prison cell with Arch Sloan is sharing new details about the convicted pedophile.
New effort underway to solve decade-old murder of Oakland County jogger Ally Brueger
ROSE TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WXYZ) — It’s been 10 years since Ally Brueger was shot to death in broad daylight during her afternoon run in northern Oakland County. Watch Heather's story in the video player below: New effort underway to solve decade-old murder of Oakland County jogger Ally Brueger While her parents continue to search for answers, there’s a new effort underway to help detectives solve this murder mystery. As a nurse, Ally spent her life helping others.
Oakland County leader again evades WXYZ as taxpayers raise their own questions
PONTIAC, Mich. (WXYZ) — This week, the 7 Investigators showed you how the Oakland County Commission Chair has been spending your money on out-of-state trips and mileage to a private club. Watch Heather Catallo's video report: Oakland County leader again evades WXYZ as taxpayers raise their own questions That investigation was a hot topic at Thursday’s Oakland County Commission meeting, with some members of the public even calling on Commission Chair Dave Woodward (D-Royal Oak) to step down.
Oakland County leader avoids WXYZ's questions as taxpayer expenses draw scrutiny
(WXYZ) — Lyft and Uber trips that appear to be to and from bars, mileage to a private club and lots of out-of-state travel. Those are just a few of the Oakland County Commission Chair’s expenses that taxpayers have paid for recently. Watch Heather Catallo's video report: Oakland County leader avoids WXYZ's questions as taxpayer expenses draw scrutiny “Oh, I'm a huge supporter of transparency.
Oakland County Child Killer suspect gave detectives new information hours before his death
(WXYZ) — One of the key suspects in Michigan’s most infamous unsolved serial killings has died. Watch Heather Catallo's video report: Oakland County Child Killer suspect gave detectives new info hours before death 7 Investigator Heather Catallo has learned, in his final hours, detectives tried one more time to get Arch Sloan to talk. For years, police have considered Sloan a key suspect in the Oakland County Child Killer case.
Following 7 Investigations, lawmakers move to stop county leaders from lobbying
(WXYZ) — There’s a new effort in Lansing to prevent county officials from lobbying other local leaders as their outside jobs.
‘No one knew.’ New details revealed in Oakland County leader’s controversial Flock visit
PONTIAC, Mich. (WXYZ) — A controversial 911 drone contract with Flock Safety continues to be a hot topic in Oakland County, with residents packing Board of Commission meetings. The 7 Investigators have learned more information about the Oakland County Commission chair’s visit to Flock headquarters and how this deal came about.
Oakland County leaders under fire: More township officials join fight for transparency
(WXYZ) — The 7 Investigators were the first to tell you about the fight for transparency by one local leader who says Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter and his administration are refusing to give his township key information. Watch Heather Catallo's video report: Oakland County leaders under fire: More township officials join fight for transparency Now other township supervisors are joining the call for answers and transparency, while a court battle over public records is heating up.
Recall organizers targeting Oakland County's Dave Woodward to start collecting signatures July 25 Original
(WXYZ) — Organizers of a recall effort against Oakland County Board of Commissioners Chair Dave Woodward say they will move forward with collecting signatures, despite a judge not yet having ruled on Woodward's attempt to stop it. Woodward’s attorney filed a claim of appeal in early May from the April 27, 2026, election commission decision to approve two recall petitions against the powerful Oakland County politician.
‘It’s embarrassing.’ Local leader blasts Oakland County, says lack of transparency is costing taxpayers
(WXYZ) — The 7 Investigators were the first to tell you about the fight for transparency by some local leaders, as they demand information from Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter and the board of commissioners. On Thursday, that push for transparency continued, as one local leader says county officials are still stonewalling him.
Oakland County Commission Chair Dave Woodward faces recall effort as 7 reveals new trip paid by drone company
He’s one of the most powerful politicians in southeast Michigan, and he’s been the subject of several 7 Investigations, but now Oakland County Commission Chair Dave Woodward is the focus of a recall campaign.
Orion Township leaders take fight for transparency to Oakland County Board of Commissioners meeting
PONTIAC, Mich. (WXYZ) — The 7 Investigators were the first to tell you about the fight for transparency by some local leaders, as they demand information from Oakland County Executive Dave Coulter and the Oakland County Board of Commissioners. Watch Heather Catallo's video report: Orion Twp. leaders take fight for transparency to Board of Commissioners meeting On Wednesday night, that fight was on full display at a very heated commission meeting.
Official says Oakland County leaders refuse to meet on new sheriff contracts
(WXYZ) — For months, the 7 Investigators have been looking into how your tax dollars are being spent in Michigan’s wealthiest county: Oakland County. We’ve exposed everything from highly paid public officials with lucrative side jobs to allegations of ethical violations.
Oakland County top leader, subject of 7 investigations, steps down for campaign
(WXYZ) — One of Oakland County Executive David Coulter’s top deputies has stepped down following several 7 News Detroit investigations. Deputy County Executive Sean Carlson says he’s leaving to run for state Senate in the 13th District.
'Feds' episode features adoption fraud scheme first exposed by 7 Investigators
(WXYZ) — A national adoption fraud scheme first exposed by the 7 Investigators is now the subject of an episode of “Feds” that premieres Wednesday on Investigation Discovery. Watch Heather Catallo's video report: 'Feds' episode features adoption fraud scheme first exposed by 7 Investigators Tara Lee’s victims told 7 Investigator Heather Catallo they hope that exposing what happened to them to a broader audience will help change the adoption laws.
Boxing legend Tommy Hearns placed under guardianship and conservatorship
(WXYZ) — He’s a boxing legend and beloved in Detroit. But world champion Thomas ‘The Hitman’ Hearns now finds himself in the middle of a new kind of fight: a guardianship court battle.
Oakland County senior leader under fire for global trips, mileage at taxpayers' expense
(WXYZ) — Financial disclosure has been a hot topic in Oakland County in recent months, so the 7 Investigators have been taking a closer look at how your tax dollars are being spent. Watch Heather Catallo's video report: Oakland County senior leader under fire for global trips, mileage at taxpayers' expense The 7 Investigators reviewed hundreds of documents of expense reports for Oakland County Executive David Coulter and his top appointees.
Oakland County Child Killings: 50 years later, police hoping new tech could help crack case
(WXYZ) — This weekend marks 50 years since the start of one of Michigan’s most notorious unsolved crimes: the murders known as the Oakland County Child Killings. See the latest investigation from Heather Catallo in the video below Oakland County Child Killings: 50 years later, could new tech help crack case? Now police are hoping DNA advancements and AI could help them crack the case that’s gone cold for so long.
Detroit judge, 3 others charged in federal guardianship case
DETROIT (WXYZ) — A 36th District Court judge is among four people facing federal charges in connection with what officials call "a years-long scheme to embezzle money from incapacitated individuals." Watch Heather Catallo's report: Detroit judge, 3 others charged in federal guardianship case Judge Andrea Bradley-Baskin, Nancy Williams, Avery Bradley, and Dwight Rashad have all been indicted on conspiracy to commit wire fraud.
Legionella bacteria discovered in 2 more Oakland County buildings; water testing at jail underway Original
(WXYZ) — Legionella bacteria has been found inside two additional Oakland County buildings, the North Oakland Health Center and the Resource and Crisis Center, the county confirmed on Wednesday. Watch Heather Catallo's video report: Legionella found in 2 more Oakland Co. buildings; water testing at jail underway The county said they are now implementing remediation measures at the additional locations.
Amid controversy, Oakland County's leadership team posts financial disclosures
(WXYZ) — After months of controversy about county officials having outside jobs on top of their taxpayer-funded positions, Oakland County Executive David Coulter and his leadership team have posted their financial information publicly. Watch Heather Catallo's video report: Amid controversy, Oakland County's leadership team posts financial disclosures View the disclosures here Last month, the 7 Investigators showed you how Deputy County Executive Sean Carlson owns Procurement Consulting Group LLC.
'Why so long?' Officials blast Oakland County’s Legionella response at recent meeting
PONTIAC, Mich. (WXYZ) — Oakland County workers tasked with responding to the recent Legionnaires' disease outbreak faced tough questions Tuesday as the county expands its testing plans for additional buildings. Watch Heather Catallo's video report: Oakland County facing questions about Legionella response While Legionella bacteria levels are declining with remediation, there are still no clear dates on when testing will expand beyond the two sites already tested.
Oakland County judge who called herself a ‘new racist’ vacates position after WXYZ investigation
(WXYZ) — A controversial Oakland County probate judge who was accused of making racist and homophobic comments will not be back on the bench. Watch Heather Catallo's video report: Judge who called herself a 'new racist' vacates position after 7 investigation The 7 Investigators were the first to reveal the recordings in September 2024 of Judge Kathleen Ryan making several offensive statements.
'Inexcusable.' County leaders frustrated over delay in Legionnaires' response
(WXYZ) — The 7 investigators were the first to report that more Legionella bacteria was found in the water system on the Oakland County campus in Pontiac. Watch Heather Catallo's video report: 'Inexcusable.' County leaders frustrated over delay in Legionnaires' response First, it was detected in the Sheriff’s Office, then it was found in the courthouse. Now, some elected officials are questioning why they weren’t told sooner about the potentially deadly bacteria being found in the water.
Legionella bacteria discovered inside Oakland County Circuit Court
OAKLAND COUNTY, Mich. (WXYZ) — Legionella bacteria has been found inside the Oakland County Circuit Court building. County officials have confirmed that the potentially deadly bacteria was found inside men’s bathrooms on the first and third floors, and in two sinks in the cafeteria.
Advantage or conflict? Oakland County senior leader’s private business deals in question
PONTIAC, Mich. (WXYZ) — He’s a highly paid Oakland County Deputy County Executive who works for the taxpayers. So why does an outside company that he owns have lucrative contracts with other local governments? Watch Heather Catallo's video report: Advantage or conflict? Oakland Co. senior leader’s private business in question Financial disclosure has been a hot topic for months in Oakland County government.
Report says law broken, but MSP won’t investigate Oakland Co. IT contract
(WXYZ) — The Michigan State Police will not be investigating how a $450,000 IT contract got awarded to a current Oakland County employee, even though a law firm investigation revealed that state law was broken.
Oakland County commission asks lawmakers to create financial disclosure rules amid controversy
PONTIAC, Mich. (WXYZ) — Despite public outcry during the Oakland County Board of Commission meeting Thursday night, the board voted to ask Lansing to give them the authority to create financial disclosure rules instead of adopting those rules themselves. After several stories by the 7 Investigators about a top-elected official’s side jobs, in October Oakland County Executive David Coulter asked that sweeping ethics reforms be passed by the commission by the end of the year.
Oakland Co. did not have a plan to routinely test water in buildings prior to Legionella discovery
PONTIAC, Mich. (WXYZ) — Oakland County did not have a plan to routinely test its water system inside its buildings. A custodial employee was recently diagnosed with Legionnaires' disease, revealing the presence of Legionella bacteria in the Oakland County Sheriff’s Office headquarters.
Oakland County investigating possible Legionnaires' disease outbreak
PONTIAC, Mich. (WXYZ) — Oakland County is investigating a possible Legionnaires' disease outbreak. County officials confirm to the 7 Investigators that an employee has tested positive for Legionella. Update: County expands water testing to the courthouse VIDEO: Ask Dr. Nandi: What is Legionnaires' Disease? According to the county spokesperson, the county did additional testing and obtained water samples from the building where he worked, and those samples came back positive for Legionella.
Probe into controversial Oakland County IT contract sent to Michigan State Police Original
(WXYZ) — The probe into a controversial Oakland County IT contract has now been sent to the Michigan State Police. Last summer, the $450,000 ZaydLogix LLC contract was awarded to a then-current county employee, a move that county officials say broke state law and county policy.
Oakland County Sheriff's Office reprimands James Esshaki for off-duty conduct Original
PONTIAC, Mich. (WXYZ) — The Oakland County Sheriff’s Office has disciplined one of their part-time employees who also works as an Oakland County road commissioner. The 7 Investigators first showed you how Road Commissioner James Esshaki was accused of threatening a road commission employee on the job back in June.
Road commissioner's alleged workplace threat back in discussion at committee meeting
PONTIAC, Mich. (WXYZ) — He’s a public official who was accused of violating workplace violence rules months ago. After six weeks of keeping that issue off the agenda, on Tuesday morning, county commissioners finally started taking action. “I guess I’m here begging you to do what’s right morally,” said road commission employee Lori Doran during public comment of the Oakland County Legislative Affairs and Government Operations (LAGO) Committee meeting Tuesday morning.
Oakland County commissioners move 'gutted' ethics reform forward
PONTIAC, Mich. (WXYZ) — Months after the Oakland County Executive demanded improved financial disclosure and ethics standards in the county, commissioners finally introduced those resolutions in the final committee meeting of the year. But Commissioner Charlie Cavell (D-Ferndale) told the committee during public comment that the proposal doesn’t come close to the kind of reforms needed. Watch Heather Catallo's video report: Oakland County commissioners move ahead with reforms “How dare you.
3 alleged terror suspects consent to detention as 'sophisticated prosecution' emerges
DETROIT (WXYZ) — Three local men facing terrorism charges consented to detention in Detroit federal court Monday morning. Watch Heather Catallo's video report: 3 alleged terror plot suspects to remain in custody 20-year-old Mohmed Ali, his brother 19-year-old Ayob Nasser, and 20-year-old Majed Mahmoud are all charged with providing material support to ISIS and with having firearms that would be used to commit an act of terrorism.
3 alleged terror suspects consent to detention as 'sophisticated prosecution' emerges
DETROIT (WXYZ) — Three local men facing terrorism charges consented to detention in Detroit federal court Monday morning. Watch Heather Catallo's video report: 3 alleged terror plot suspects to remain in custody 20-year-old Mohmed Ali, his brother 19-year-old Ayob Nasser, and 20-year-old Majed Mahmoud are all charged with providing material support to ISIS and with having firearms that would be used to commit an act of terrorism.
'Nothing is being done.' Workers call on board to act after road commissioner’s ‘threat of violence’
PONTIAC, Mich. (WXYZ) — A 7 Investigation was a hot topic at an Oakland County Board of Commissioners meeting on Tuesday, with several people asking why a road commissioner is still on the job. Watch Heather Catallo's video report: Workers call on board to act after road commissioner’s ‘threat of violence’ That developer turned public official has been accused of threatening an employee, and now it’s up to the Board of Commissioners to decide what to do next.
‘He should be removed.’ Road commissioner facing backlash for ‘threat of violence’
(WXYZ) — He’s a developer turned public official and his tenure as one of the people in charge of the Road Commission of Oakland County has hit some speed bumps. Recently, an independent investigation found that James Esshaki violated workplace violence rules for threatening a road commission employee. And that has some calling for his removal.
'Oakland County is better than this.' Coulter unveils sweeping ethics reforms
PONTIAC, Mich. (WXYZ) — After weeks of controversy about a top elected official’s side jobs, Oakland County Executive David Coulter is unveiling sweeping ethics reforms. That’s something other County leaders have been asking for as well, and now Coulter is calling on the Oakland County Board of Commissioners to adopt financial disclosure statements similar to those adopted by state lawmakers in 2023.
Vote on Waterford Township Sheetz development postponed
WATERFORD TOWNSHIP, Mich. (WXYZ) — The plans for a proposed Sheetz gas station were up for review Tuesday night in Waterford Township. The 7 Investigators have been looking into allegations of a conflict of interest with the site and Oakland County Board of Commission Chair Dave Woodward. The proposal to rezone the property hit the brakes after the planning commission deadlocked Tuesday night on whether to move forward on this. For now, it’s postponed until next month.
Did Oakland County commission head use position to help along possible Sheetz in Waterford?
(WXYZ) — He’s one of the most powerful politicians in Southeast Michigan, and Oakland County Board of Commission Chair Dave Woodward has said publicly that his side job with a gas station chain is not a conflict of interest. Watch Heather's full investigation in the video player below: Did commission head use position to help along possible Sheetz in Waterford?
Independent investigation: Road Commissioner violated workplace rules with 'threat of violence'
(WXYZ) — Oakland County Road Commissioner James Esshaki broke road commission workplace rules when he offered to fight an employee who had spoken out at a public board meeting, according to an independent investigation.
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