Former Detroit Riverfront Conservancy CFO William A. Smith, 52, pleaded guilty Friday to embezzling more than $40 million from the nonprofit in a years-long scheme.

William Smith, the former Chief Financial Officer of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, was expected to plead guilty to embezzling tens of millions of dollars but the plea deal fell through.

Celebrate and fundraise for the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy

In a plea deal, Smith has admitted to embezzling nearly $15 million from the nonprofit organization for personal use.

The lawsuit cites “emotional damage” inflicted upon the community that supports the Detroit Riverwalk.

A federal judge has issued a temporary restraining order against former Detroit Riverfront Conservancy CFO William Smith, preventing him from transferring or selling assets amid accusations of stealing $39.3 million over 12 years.

A plea deal could be in the works for the former CFO of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy, William Smith.

The construction of a brand new riverfront park in Detroit won’t stop because of the millions of dollars stolen from the nonprofit behind the project, officials said this week.

Detroit's Riverfront Conservancy kicked off its fundraising season with an event unlike any other simply because of the position its former CFO stands accused of putting it in.

He's accused of forging documents to obtain a $5 million line of credit after nearly exhausting the nonprofit's cash holdings to cover the shortfalls.

The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is making significant changes in the wake of a major embezzlement investigation that’s still ongoing.

The nonprofit's Board said it will take every effort to recover the money from Smith.

Michigan State Police turned things over to the FBI due to the nature and the complexity of the situation.

The nonprofit has handed over financial records to Michigan State Police, who are conducting a criminal investigation.

The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy and the Michigan Wildlife Council are partnering to create a series of eight artistic panels as part of a unique mural of Michigan-managed wildlife.

Skate club welcomes all to the Riverfront this summer

Sunday is the last day of Detroit’s Fire & Ice Festival and you and your loved ones can enjoy many activities while hanging out along the riverfront.

Back by popular demand, The Harvest Fest and Food Truck Rally returns to the Dequindre Cut this weekend.

How does a pumpkin patch, music, entertainment, and about a mile stretch of food trucks sound? Here's a taste of what will be happening at the Detroit Harvest Fest this weekend.

Camping enthusiasts arrived at 6 p.m. Saturday and don’t plan on leaving until 10 a.m. Sunday morning for Camping on the Cut, hosted by the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy.

One of the most beautiful places in Detroit to spend a summer evening is on the Detroit Riverwalk. You can walk, bike, or even roller skate down the riverside, but the fun doesn’t have to end there. There’s also a growing food scene! We spoke to the experts at the Riverfront Conservancy to find out where you can dine and drink along the riverwalk.

The historic Motown Museum announced Wednesday that its newest installation to honor the record label’s 60th anniversary of the Motortown Revue is open to the public

Michigan metro parks are partnering up with organizations across the area to promote water safety.

The new and improved riverfront of Downtown Detroit’s recent increase in patronage has benefited the community in more ways than one. Socially and economically, the Riverwalk proves to be really beneficial to the city.

The Ralph C. Wilson, Jr. Centennial Park, which is 22 acres, will be transformed into an attractive public space with reconstruction that will work towards the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s goal of revitalizing the riverfront.

USA Today announced Friday that the Detroit Riverwalk is the best Riverwalk in the United States.

A family-friendly fall event is coming to Downtown Detroit this weekend.

The Detroit Harvest Fest will transform the Dequindre Cut over the weekend. In addition to the food trucks, 60 different artists will be performing over two days.

This is the last official weekend of summer and there is a great way you can send the season off with a bang along the Detroit riverfront this weekend. The West Riverfront Block Party happens tomorrow in downtown Detroit with music food trucks a zip line and jet skiing performances.

The West Riverfront Park in Detroit is going to start taking shape over the next few years.

Trash is a big issue along the Detroit Riverfront and it has been a constant effort to keep the area clean.

The city of Detroit is offering free swimming lessons for young residents this summer.

An ambitious plan that started nearly 20 years ago steadily changed the old Uniroyal site near the Belle Isle Bridge into a true Detroit gem.

DETROIT – The Detroit Riverfront has been named the best riverwalk in America in USA Today’s 10Best Readers’ Choice Travel Award Contest. The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy announced the news on Friday. “The Detroit Riverfront is a very special place for our city and we are honored by this recognition,” said Matt Cullen, board chairman of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. “Every great city has a place where the entire community comes together,” said Mark Wallace, president and CEO of the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy. Since March, use of the Detroit Riverwalk has increased 20 percent and Dequindre Cut usage has increased by 40 percent.

DETROIT – We all know what makes the Detroit International Riverwalk so special -- the miles of amazing shoreline, the views of Canada, the family-friendly events, the parks, picnic areas and more. The Detroit Riverwalk has recently been named to the national publication’s “10Best Readers’ Choice Awards 2021.”The USA Today’s “10Best” editors and a panel of urban planning experts picked the top ten. You can vote now to make the Detroit International Riverwalk number one by clicking here. AdAccording to published reports, 3.5 million people visit the Detroit Riverwalk every year. The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy has invested more than $169 million in its revitalization.

DETROIT – The Detroit Riverfront Conservancy is hosting a new physically-distant but socially-connected fundraiser, #BeingApartTogether, on Friday (Oct. 16). The fundraiser is a celebration of the role Detroit Riverfront parks play in the community. As part of the fundraiser, there will be a free virtual broadcast of musical performances by local artists along the riverfront. It will be available for the community to enjoy on the Detroit Riverfront Conservancy’s Facebook page. Supporters of the fundraiser will receive a package curated in partnership with Detroit’s own City Bird, which is filled with limited-edition riverfront items, locally-sourced gifts and unique activities.

DETROIT - Fort Street is closed from Rosa Parks Boulevard to Trumbull Avenue for bridgework starting Friday, Oct. 4 and lasting until early December, according to the Michigan Department of Transportation. DetoursNorthbound M-85 will be detoured via southbound Rosa Parks Boulevard, northbound Jefferson Avenue and northbound Cabacier Street back to northbound M-85. Southbound M-85 will be detoured via northbound Trumbull Avenue, southbound West Lafayette Boulevard, and southbound Rosa Parks Boulevard back to southbound M-85. The project is expected to be completed by early December. Copyright 2019 by WDIV ClickOnDetroit - All rights reserved.