Feds Indict Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick

1 year ago

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Already in prison on a parole violation, Detroit's former mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has been hit with 19 federal fraud and tax charges for allegedly using his non-profit group to pay for personal and campaign expenses.

The indictment unsealed Wednesday accuses Kilpatrick of scheming for years to use the Kilpatrick Civic Fund to make payments to friends and relatives and for "items ranging from countersurveillance and anti-bugging equipment to yoga and golf lessons, golf clubs and summer camp for his children," The Detroit Free Press reported.

The tax-exempt fund also paid for public relations and consulting work for Kilpatrick's campaign and for moving, transportation and travel expenses for the then-mayor and his family, according to the indictment.

The fund had the stated goal of voter education and improving Detroit's neighborhoods and image, the Free Press said.

Kilpatrick is also accused of filing false tax returns, evading taxes, failing to declare income and other tax-related charges.

Detroit FBI Chief Andrew Arena said in a statement that the charges are part of a continuing investigation into "the corruption that has long plagued the City of Detroit."

If convicted, Kilpatrick faces up to 20 years in prison and a fine of $250,000. He will be arraigned July 13.

Kilpatrick is currently serving an 18 month sentence at a Michigan prison for violating probation in the perjury case related to the seamy text-message scandal that cost him his office.

Filed Under: Crime

Tagged: corruption, crime, dailyguidance, Detroit, federal indictment, Kilpatrick Civic Fund, Kwame Kilpatrick

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consurvative

Is it any wonder that Republicans lead the polls in Michigan?

June 24 2010 at 12:06 AM Report abuse Permalink +8 rate up rate down Reply

oldengineera2

Kwame represents everything we have come to expect of entrenched Democrats in Michigan. His mother is still in congress, although Congressman Conyers' spouse seems reluctant to serve her own term... in prison, after having been sentenced over a year ago.
Sure you want to stick with "hope and change" of this order?

June 23 2010 at 11:10 PM Report abuse Permalink +10 rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to oldengineera2's comment

muffin83e

The Detroit News today reports 12 other people already sentenced in this continuing probe into City of Detroit corruption. The City has had democrat leadership more than 45 years now so it is time to clean the stables.

June 24 2010 at 11:49 AM Report abuse Permalink +4 rate up rate down Reply

post2854

Again,

EEOC as the United States Arbitrator for (Political Office)

Prohibition Act.....

June 23 2010 at 10:48 PM Report abuse Permalink -3 rate up rate down Reply

altollew

I bet we will see a republican campaign ad featuring Obama welcoming his "good friend Kwame"

June 23 2010 at 9:01 PM Report abuse Permalink +6 rate up rate down Reply

bellerophon85a

Your article fails to mention related facts: that Kwame is the son of Congresswoman Carolyn Cheeks Kilpatrick (D.) 13th district Michigan, who was called to testify before a Federal Grand Jury in March 2010 relative to possible knowledge of corruption in City politics. Also, Kwame's father, Bernard Kilpatrick, is being investigated by the Feds regardng his accepting payments and screening proposals from contractors seeking to obtain City business from his son.

June 23 2010 at 7:12 PM Report abuse Permalink +13 rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to bellerophon85a's comment

altollew

nice wholesome detroit family.

June 23 2010 at 10:24 PM Report abuse Permalink +7 rate up rate down Reply

libbsfinder

And the big (D) does not show anywhere in the article....

June 23 2010 at 6:06 PM Report abuse Permalink +9 rate up rate down Reply

1 reply to libbsfinder's comment