Mount Clemens, MI — A longtime public works official in suburban Detroit has pleaded guilty to threatening to hold up permits for a developer unless he purchased tickets for a political fundraiser. Anthony Marrocco’s conviction for attempted extortion was a big catch for federal prosecutors. He was the powerful head of the Macomb County public works department until voters chose Candice Miller in 2016. Marrocco had broad authority over sewer lines, water and infrastructure in the growing county. Roughly two dozen officials and businessmen have been convicted in the government’s Macomb County corruption investigation, from elected township leaders to an elected prosecutor.