 In the wake of the rapid ascent of Ford and members of his faction to the state 's major political offices , he and Carroll were investigated in a corruption probe . The four @-@ year investigation began in 1977 and focused on a state insurance kickback scheme alleged to have operated during Ford 's tenure . In June 1972 , Ford had purchased insurance policies for state workers from some of his political backers without competitive bidding . State law did not require competitive bidding , and earlier governors had engaged in similar practices . Investigators believed there was an arrangement in which insurance companies getting government contracts split commissions with party officials , although Ford was suspected of allowing the practice for political benefit rather than personal financial gain . In 1981 , prosecutors asked for indictments against Ford and Carroll on racketeering charges but a grand jury refused . Because grand jury proceedings are secret , what exactly occurred has never been publicly revealed . However , state Republicans maintained that Ford took the Fifth Amendment while on the stand , invoking his right against self @-@ incrimination . Ford refused to confirm or deny this report . A federal grand jury recommended that Ford be indicted in connection with the insurance scheme , but the U.S. Department of Justice did not act on this recommendation . 
