Breaking News: Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick & His Former Aide Indicted!

Photo By: Bill Pugliano/Getty Images

Earlier this morning, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym L. Worthy held a press conference to formally announce the County Prosecutor’s office decision to indict Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and his former chief of staff Christine Beatty on charges of perjury, obstruction of justice, misconduct in office and conspiracy.

These charges stem from the recent exposure of steamy text messages between the mayor and his former aide. Both the mayor and Christine Beatty testified under oath that they never had a romantic relationship. This relationship was at the center of a civil lawsuit brought against the city by two former policemen who claimed they were wrongfully terminated at the hands of the mayor and his chief of staff. The city settled this case for 8.4 million dollars.

Mayor Kilpatrick and his lawyer spoke shortly after the announcement broke and both indicated they expected he would be vindicated by a jury of his peers. Interestingly his lawyer indicated during the press conference that he was unaware of any cases in the past where a defendant was indicted on the basis of testimony in a civil trial. This is an early indication of how he may pursue getting his client exonerated.

To see video of the announcement by the county prosecutor, transcripts of the announcement along with other detailed information on the story, go to: freep.com

Until next time,

Mahogany City