Monday, March 25 2013 9:58 PM EDT2013-03-26 01:58:06 GMT
The lead FBI agent on the Kilpatrick case spoke to the reporter that broke most of the stories about the former mayor's misdeeds. Among the new information he unearthed is what the feds called their investigation.
The lead FBI agent on the Kilpatrick case spoke to the reporter that broke most of the stories about the former mayor's misdeeds. Among the new information M.L. Elrick unearthed is what the feds called their investigation.
Monday, March 11 2013 7:16 PM EDT2013-03-11 23:16:31 GMT
Fox 2's M.L. Elrick was in the courtroom when Kwame Kilpatrick heard the words guilty over and over again. He said the former mayor's "jaw dropped" as the verdict was read.
Fox 2's M.L. Elrick has covered the Kilpatrick incorporated trial from gavel to gavel and was in the courtroom when Kwame Kilpatrick heard the words guilty over and over again. He said the former mayor's "jaw dropped" as the verdict was read.
Thursday, March 7 2013 8:14 PM EST2013-03-08 01:14:46 GMT
"That pay-to-play was horrible," said Detroit's mayor. "That does not exist today." So what's being done to make sure it doesn't happen again? We went looking for answers, and you'll be surprised at what we found.
"That pay-to-play was horrible," said Detroit Mayor Dave Bing. "That does not exist today." So what's being done to make sure it doesn't happen again? We went looking for answers, and you'll be surprised at what we found.
Tuesday, March 5 2013 6:44 PM EST2013-03-05 23:44:32 GMT
One lawyer made such an impression that weeks after deliberations began in the Kilpatrick incorporated trial, his words still echo in our ears. M.L. Elrick takes a look back at the best of Mike Rataj.
One lawyer made such an impression that weeks after deliberations began in the Kilpatrick incorporated trial, his words still echo in our ears. M.L. Elrick takes a look back at the best of Mike Rataj.
Monday, March 4 2013 6:27 AM EST2013-03-04 11:27:47 GMT
So far, the federal investigation into dirty deals in Detroit has resulted in 25 people either pleading guilty or being convicted of criminal charges. That has M.L. Elirck singing the "Metropolitan Rip-off Blues".
So far, the federal investigation into dirty deals in Detroit has resulted in 25 people either pleading guilty or being convicted of criminal charges. That has M.L. Elirck singing the "Metropolitan Rip-off Blues".
Sunday, February 24 2013 10:23 AM EST2013-02-24 15:23:40 GMT
For the past three days we have been looking for a sign giving us a clue what the jury is thinking. So far, all we have learned is they wanted to know more about an amendment to Tony Soave's sewer lining contract.
For the past three days we have been looking for a sign giving us a clue what the jury is thinking. So far, all we have learned is they wanted to know more about an amendment to Tony Soave's sewer lining contract.
Tuesday, February 12 2013 6:51 PM EST2013-02-12 23:51:29 GMT
FOX 2's M.L. Elrick offers up his take as the jury turns its attention to defense attorneys on the second day of closing arguments in the corruption trial of former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick.
FOX 2's M.L. Elrick offers up his take as the jury turns its attention to defense attorneys on the second day of closing arguments in the corruption trial of former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick.
Friday, February 1 2013 9:12 AM EST2013-02-01 14:12:10 GMT
For at least the seventh time since testimony began back in September, the Grim Reaper has cast his shadow over people I have met, people I know and people close to me.
Perhaps it's to be expected during this seemingly interminable slog, but for at least the seventh time since testimony began back in September, the Grim Reaper has cast his shadow over people I have met, people I know and people close to me.
DETROIT (WJBK) -
A key witness testified Tuesday that former Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick intervened in water deals to get his pal a bigger cut of the action. That witness was the deputy director of the city's water and sewage department.
Superior Engineering submitted the lowest bid on two water department projects worth tens of millions of dollars, but they still didn't get the deals and that may have left you and me on the hook for an extra $3.7 million.
In his 24 years at Detroit's water department, Darryl Latimer said he had never seen a deal go down like the water main contracts awarded in 2006.
Of the seven companies competing for the work, Superior Engineering had the top score, but Latimer said that didn't suit water boss Victor Mercado, who wanted the bids re-evaluated.
So Latimer tried again and this time a team including Kilpatrick pal Bobby Ferguson finished in second place.
What followed next was an unprecedented trip to the mayor's office, where Latimer, Mercado and Kilpatrick discussed whether Superior's partner, DLZ, qualified as a Detroit-based business.
Within days, DLZ's certification was in limbo, putting the Superior team behind two competitors -- a team including Ferguson and another team that later hired Ferguson.
The certification shenanigans may have cost taxpayers millions.
On Contract 2015, the Detroit Project Management Team, including Ferguson, bid $16.5 million or $2.1 million more than the Superior team with DLZ.
On Contract 2014, Lakeshore Engineering, which would later hire Ferguson, bid $13.6 million or $1.6 million more than the Superior-DLZ team.
Kilpatrick attorney Jim Thomas said it may cost more to hire Detroit-based companies, but in the end it's worth it.
"You want people to work in the City of Detroit. You want them headquartered here. You want minority people, who (are) basically what 70 percent, 65 percent of the City of Detroit, you want them to be employed, pay taxes, buy homes, spend their money here in the city."
Thomas also argued that the local firms may have saved the city money because they know the landscape, but that argument overlooks the fact that in the end DLZ's certification as a Detroit business was confirmed.
Monday, May 20 2013 10:42 PM EDT2013-05-21 02:42:18 GMT
Omar Morales feels lucky to be here for his son Joshua's 10th birthday on Monday. Morales was one of the passengers on board a USAir flight that made an emergency landing at Newark Liberty.
Omar Morales feels lucky to be here for his son Joshua's 10th birthday on Monday. Morales was one of the passengers on board a USAir flight that made an emergency landing at Newark Liberty.
Monday, May 20 2013 10:28 PM EDT2013-05-21 02:28:23 GMT
After Assemblyman Vito Lopez resigned over claims of serial sexual harassment of female staffers, attention turned to whether powerful Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver should continue his leadership.
After Assemblyman Vito Lopez resigned over claims of serial sexual harassment of female staffers, attention turned to whether powerful Assembly Speaker Sheldon Silver should continue his leadership.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:05 PM EDT2013-05-20 23:05:15 GMT
A private country club opened its golf course to the public for a charity tournament to raise money for Superstorm Sandy relief. The Westlake Golf and Country Club in Jackson hosted the event on May 13,
A private country club opened its golf course to the public for a charity tournament to raise money for Superstorm Sandy relief. The Westlake Golf and Country Club in Jackson hosted the event on May 13,
Monday, May 20 2013 6:30 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:30:03 GMT
Repair work on tracks that were damaged in last week's train collision has progressed quickly enough that the MTA predicts restoring full service along the New Haven line by Wednesday morning.
Repair work on tracks that were damaged in last week's train collision has progressed quickly enough that the MTA predicts restoring full service along the New Haven line by Wednesday morning.
Monday, May 20 2013 6:05 PM EDT2013-05-20 22:05:22 GMT
A spate of hate-fueled attacks on gay men in New York, including a killing in the heart of one of its most gay-friendly neighborhoods, is stirring up anxiety, disbelief and outrage.
A spate of hate-fueled attacks on gay men in New York, including a killing in the heart of one of its most gay-friendly neighborhoods, is stirring up anxiety, disbelief and outrage.
Monday, May 20 2013 5:32 PM EDT2013-05-20 21:32:24 GMT
As a family prepared for the funeral of a Hofstra junior killed by a cop's bullet during a standoff with an armed intruder, questions remain about how police handled the situation.
As a family prepared for the funeral of a Hofstra junior killed by a cop's bullet during a standoff with an armed intruder, questions remain about how police handled the situation.
Monday, May 20 2013 7:30 PM EDT2013-05-20 23:30:05 GMT
There are new developments in the murder of a young woman in Grosse Pointe Park. Police have a person in custody in connection with the death of Sabrina Gianino, who was found strangled last week.
There are new developments in the murder of a young woman in Grosse Pointe Park. Police have a person in custody in connection with the death of Sabrina Gianino, who was found strangled last week.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:08 PM EDT2013-05-21 03:08:56 GMT
A small dog was taken from a woman's car on Sunday. Now a woman claims she wasn't trying to steal the dog. She was trying to save its life because it was locked in a car on a hot day.
A small dog was taken from a woman's car on Sunday. Now a woman claims she wasn't trying to steal the dog. She was trying to save its life because it was locked in a car on a hot day.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:03 PM EDT2013-05-21 03:03:59 GMT
Some residents in Clinton Township say they are upset over a horrible smell that seems to be at its peak when temperatures soar. They claim it has been going on for years.
Some residents in Clinton Township say they are upset over a horrible smell that seems to be at its peak when temperatures soar. They claim it has been going on for years.
Monday, May 20 2013 9:54 PM EDT2013-05-21 01:54:16 GMT
Wayne County Circuit Judge Wade McCree is fighting to save his job and his career. Monday, the woman who was once his mistress testified about their numerous sexual encounters.
He once said there was no shame in his game, but now Wayne County Circuit Judge Wade McCree is fighting to save his job and his career. Monday, the woman who was once his mistress testified about their numerous sexual encounters.
Monday, May 20 2013 8:28 PM EDT2013-05-21 00:28:46 GMT
As Bobby Ferguson faces a retrial on bid-rigging charges, he may have to represent himself. He refuses to fill out an application needed to determine if he qualifies for a court appointed lawyer.
As Bobby Ferguson faces a retrial on bid-rigging charges, he may have to represent himself. He refuses to fill out an application needed to determine if he qualifies for a court appointed lawyer.
Monday, May 20 2013 5:51 PM EDT2013-05-20 21:51:26 GMT
A church community in Canton is reeling over the death of a young man. He was just married on Saturday and less than 24 hours later killed in a car crash on the way to the couple's honeymoon. His bride survived.
A church community in Canton is reeling over the death of a young man. He was just married on Saturday and less than 24 hours later killed in a car crash on the way to the couple's honeymoon. His bride survived.
Monday, May 20 2013 3:26 PM EDT2013-05-20 19:26:50 GMT
It was supposed to be their big night, but prom turned into a big headache for teens from a local high school. Police showed up to crack down on an unauthorized limo service.
It was supposed to be their big night, but prom turned into a big headache for teens from a local high school. Police showed up to crack down on an unauthorized limo service.
Monday, May 20 2013 11:42 AM EDT2013-05-20 15:42:57 GMT
Perfect weather for a wonderful cause on Saturday in downtown Detroit and some Fox 2 viewers shared a few photos with us to help capture the day. Take a look and add your photos.
Perfect weather for a wonderful cause on Saturday in downtown Detroit and some Fox 2 viewers shared a few photos with us to help capture the day. Take a look and add your photos.
Monday, May 20 2013 8:28 PM EDT2013-05-21 00:28:46 GMT
As Bobby Ferguson faces a retrial on bid-rigging charges, he may have to represent himself. He refuses to fill out an application needed to determine if he qualifies for a court appointed lawyer.
As Bobby Ferguson faces a retrial on bid-rigging charges, he may have to represent himself. He refuses to fill out an application needed to determine if he qualifies for a court appointed lawyer.
Thursday, May 16 2013 12:15 AM EDT2013-05-16 04:15:25 GMT
State Representative Brian Banks has been in Lansing for less than five months, but some of his actions are already raising questions about his judgment.
State Representative Brian Banks has been in Lansing for less than five months, but some of his actions are already raising questions about his judgment.
Monday, April 29 2013 10:14 PM EDT2013-04-30 02:14:03 GMT
Ten air traffic controllers at City Airport are facing layoffs. Unless federal bureaucrats act fast, Detroit could soon be known as the home of the "elevator to nowhere."
Ten air traffic controllers at City Airport are facing layoffs, raising concerns about safety and government waste. Most folks have heard of the "bridge to nowhere." Now, unless federal bureaucrats act fast, Detroit could soon be known as the home of the "elevator to nowhere."
Wednesday, April 17 2013 8:10 PM EDT2013-04-18 00:10:55 GMT
Kwame Kilpatrick's conviction on public corruption charges seemed to grant the former mayor's wish that Detroit could move forward, but this drama will have a second act -- his sentencing.
Kwame Kilpatrick's conviction on public corruption charges seemed to grant the former mayor's wish that Detroit could move forward, but this drama will have a second act -- his sentencing.
Friday, March 22 2013 11:53 PM EDT2013-03-23 03:53:16 GMT
Bobby Ferguson wants to be free of federal prison pending his sentencing in the city hall corruption trial. Meanwhile, his attorney wishes to withdraw from another case.
Bobby Ferguson wants to be free of federal prison pending his sentencing in the city hall corruption trial. Meanwhile, his attorney wishes to withdraw from another case.
Friday, March 15 2013 8:02 PM EDT2013-03-16 00:02:44 GMT
Taxpayers this week got an unexpected dividend from the conviction of Bobby Ferguson on racketeering charges -- cash, property and equipment worth up to $1 million.
Taxpayers this week got an unexpected dividend from the conviction of Bobby Ferguson on racketeering charges -- cash, property and equipment worth up to $1 million.
Wednesday, March 27 2013 6:47 AM EDT2013-03-27 10:47:24 GMT
An attorney for Kwame Kilpatrick says his client has suffered a serious knee injury behind bars and is asking the court to release the former Detroit mayor prior to his formal sentencing in a public corruption trial.
An attorney for Kwame Kilpatrick says his client has suffered a serious knee injury behind bars and is asking the court to release the former Detroit mayor prior to his formal sentencing in a public corruption trial.
Monday, March 18 2013 10:06 PM EDT2013-03-19 02:06:20 GMT
He's only been in prison for a week, but already Kwame Kilpatrick wants to go home. An attorney has filed a motion asking that Kilpatrick get a break from prison before he is sentenced.
He's only been in prison for a week, but already Kwame Kilpatrick wants to go home. An attorney has filed a motion asking that Kilpatrick get a break from prison before he is sentenced.
Wednesday, March 13 2013 11:46 AM EDT2013-03-13 15:46:16 GMT
Bernard Kilpatrick was only convicted of filing a false tax return. Watch the undercover video in Taryn Asher's report and see if you think he is guilty of something more.
Bernard Kilpatrick was only convicted of filing a false tax return. Watch the undercover video in Taryn Asher's report and see if you think he is guilty of something more.
Tuesday, March 12 2013 6:41 PM EDT2013-03-12 22:41:08 GMT
Defense attorney John Shea said his client, Bernard Kilpatrick, was feeling "pretty lousy" for his son, former Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, who was convicted on Monday.
Defense attorney John Shea said his client, Bernard Kilpatrick, was feeling "pretty lousy" for his son, former Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, who was convicted on Monday.
