Former Mich. Mayor Must Stand Trial for Arson, Fraud Charges

November 6, 2007

A Michigan judge has ruled that a former Saginaw mayor must stand trial on charges of arson and insurance fraud in the burning of her 1986 Mercedes-Benz.

Saginaw County Circuit Judge William Crane ruled that Wilmer Jones Ham McZee did not prove that authorities violated her rights when questioning her.

McZee serves on the City Council and is mayor pro tem. She is the mother of ex-Detroit Pistons player Darvin Ham. McZee has pleaded not guilty in the case.

She is accused of setting the car on fire March 9th of last year and trying to make a false insurance claim.

Her trial is set to begin November 20th. She is free on bond.