Kilpatrick Faces Hearing Regarding 'Conflict Of Interest'
DETROIT (WWJ) - Tuesday will be a key day for former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick as he attends a hearing regarding a conflict of interest in his federal corruption trial.
Talking to WWJ Newsradio 950's Vickie Thomas, Detroit political consultant Adolf Mongo said although the government has lost five of its most recent high-profile cases, Kilpatrick has made his share of enemies in the city.
"We're suffering from the effects of the Kwame hurricane," Mongo said. "There's a lot of collateral damage out here in the cy of Detroit."
Also set for this week, Kilpatrick will speak before the Detroit chapter of the National Association of Black Journalists Thursday at the Hotel St. Regis.
According to Mongo, that could be a big mistake.
"I understand why he's speaking, but at this point I really would be concentrating on defense," Mongo said. "He should've spoke out a long time ago when all this stuff first hit the fan. Unfortunately, he let the media shape how this whole scandal has been going."
When scheduling Tuesday's hearing, federal Judge Nancy Edmunds did not disclose what the potential conflict might be. Kilpatrick and his longtime attorney, James Thomas, also declined to explain.
A 38-count indictment alleges corruption regarding city contracts totaling at least $100 million, involving racketeering conspiracy, extortion, fraud, bribery and tax evasion.
Kilpatrick, his father Bernard Kilpatrick, pal Bobby Ferguson and ex-Detroit water boss Victor Mercado are all defendants.
The charges carry penalties ranging from three to 30 years in prison.
Stay with WWJ Newsradio 950 and CBSDetroit.com for continuing coverage.
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