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) -
Kwame Kilpatrick's family has been conspicuous by their absence in federal court. He has been surrounded by them for years, first on the city's payroll and then in court during the text message scandal. They've been gone, but that all changed on Tuesday.
"Wouldn't you think that at the climax of the case it would be important to have the support of everybody you love?" said Kilpatrick attorney Jim Thomas.
For five months, the only family member Kilpatrick could turn to was his father, Bernard, and "Pops" Kilpatrick was only there because he's on trial, too.
But this case is almost over. Thomas delivered his closing argument blasting the government for over-reaching and lying about the former mayor and attacking witnesses who said they hired mayoral best bud Bobby Ferguson because they feared losing contracts.
In a pointed reference to Tony Soave, who complained about Ferguson, Thomas told jurors "it kind of sticks in my craw a little bit when you have a guy worth $2.5 billion coming in here and saying he has fear of losing money."
He said the government's case is based on the self-serving testimony of Emma Bell, Karl Kado and Derrick Miller, who he said "got in trouble on their own and had a heavy motivation to implicate Kwame Kilpatick."
Kilpatrick's wife and sons, mother and sister listened as Thomas told jurors the feds failed to prove the 30 charges against him.
"Supporting their dad's an important thing at this point. I'm happy that they're here. That wasn't something that I planned," said Thomas.
"Were they props just for the jury to see?" a reporter asked.
"That's [expletive]," Thomas answered.
Carlita Kilpatrick and Ayanna Kilpatrick-Ferguson came back after lunch to hear Bernard Kilpatrick's attorney defend him, but he was cut short after ten minutes when a juror got sick.
The case is scheduled to resume Thursday, meaning John Shea may have to start all over again.
"So what was the alternative? I mean it would've been worse had the juror not said I need a break. You know, then I've got eleven instead of twelve paying attention," Shea told me.
Shea says it's disappointing, but won't affect his performance.
"When they call a false start, you go back to the blocks and you get down there and you get ready again," he remarked.
As for Thomas, after five long months, he's just glad his work is finally done.
"I'll tell you what I'm happy about. I'm going to get a good night's sleep tonight," he said.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 9:05 PM EDT2013-05-23 01:05:20 GMT
A bus chaperone is accused of going on a profanity-laced tirade towards a group of 12 and 13-year-olds and a piece of candy may be what started the incident.
A bus chaperone is accused of going on a profanity-laced tirade towards a group of 12 and 13-year-olds and a piece of candy may be what started the incident.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 7:44 PM EDT2013-05-22 23:44:14 GMT
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
New Jersey officials have seized inventory and demanded records from 29 bars and restaurants, nearly half of them TGI Fridays, that they say sold low-quality liquor to patrons who thought they were buying premium brands.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:29 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:29:45 GMT
Authorities say two New York City men and a New Jersey man kidnapped another man off a Queens street in broad daylight and held him for over a month, demanding $3 million from his family.
Authorities say two New York City men and a New Jersey man kidnapped another man off a Queens street in broad daylight and held him for over a month, demanding $3 million from his family.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:15 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:15:21 GMT
An Army soldier has been charged with secretly photographing and videotaping women at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, including in a bathroom.
An Army soldier has been charged with secretly photographing and videotaping women at the U.S. Military Academy at West Point, including in a bathroom.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:00 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:00:29 GMT
An emotional funeral service has been held for a Hofstra University student who was accidentally shot by police.
An emotional funeral service has been held for a Hofstra University student who was accidentally shot by police. Andrea Rebello's family followed the pastor Wednesday as he led her white cloth-draped coffin to the altar at St. Teresa of Avila Church in Sleepy Hollow, N.Y.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:55 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:55:01 GMT
Jersey shore town is celebrating a milestone as it rebuilds from Superstorm Sandy. Belmar officials will reopen their 1.3-mile boardwalk that was destroyed by the October storm.
Jersey shore town is celebrating a milestone as it rebuilds from Superstorm Sandy. Belmar officials will reopen their 1.3-mile boardwalk that was destroyed by the October storm.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 12:27 PM EDT2013-05-22 16:27:26 GMT
Black and Hispanic men are more likely to be stopped in the Bronx and Brooklyn than other boroughs, according to an analysis of police street stop data released Wednesday by the New York Civil Liberties Union.
Black and Hispanic men are more likely to be stopped in the Bronx and Brooklyn than other boroughs, according to an analysis of police street stop data released Wednesday by the New York Civil Liberties Union.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:57 PM EDT2013-05-23 00:57:50 GMT
Prosecutors have now filed charges against Myron Williams, a next door neighbor to a woman found strangled in Grosse Pointe Park, but the counts do not include murder.
Prosecutors have now filed charges against Myron Williams, a next door neighbor to a woman found strangled in Grosse Pointe Park, but the counts do not include murder.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 8:38 PM EDT2013-05-23 00:38:51 GMT
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Neighbors said he threatened them with a shotgun, then opened fire wounding two people. Now one of the victims has said he's angry the man accused of pulling the trigger is already out of jail.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 6:46 PM EDT2013-05-22 22:46:26 GMT
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Bugs are important to our environment and can even tell us about our water quality. That's why dozens on local students have been taking part in bug hunts.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:44 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:44:18 GMT
Today at 2 p.m. 100 community leaders, union officials, concerned residents and Northwestern High School Alumni will protest the closure of the high school.
Today at 2 p.m. 100 community leaders, union officials, concerned residents and Northwestern High School Alumni will protest the closure of the high school.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:36 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:36:39 GMT
Innuendo, sexual advances and an overnight stay in Lansing -- a politician's former aide claims he had to endure a nightmare on the job. Now a sexual harassment lawsuit has been filed against Rep. Brian Banks.
Innuendo, sexual advances and an overnight stay in Lansing -- a politician's former aide claims he had to endure a nightmare on the job. Now a sexual harassment lawsuit has been filed against Rep. Brian Banks.
Wednesday, May 22 2013 1:36 PM EDT2013-05-22 17:36:39 GMT
Innuendo, sexual advances and an overnight stay in Lansing -- a politician's former aide claims he had to endure a nightmare on the job. Now a sexual harassment lawsuit has been filed against Rep. Brian Banks.
Innuendo, sexual advances and an overnight stay in Lansing -- a politician's former aide claims he had to endure a nightmare on the job. Now a sexual harassment lawsuit has been filed against Rep. Brian Banks.
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.
Kwame Kilpatrick outside federal court in Detroit on February 12. (Credit: Fox 2 News)
