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.
Friday, January 25 2013 6:24 AM EST2013-01-25 11:24:15 GMT
The Kilpatrick Civic Fund espoused lofty goals. But in 10 years of reporting on the nonprofit's activities, I have yet to see proof that it spent any of the more than $1.8 million it raised on its noble purpose.
The Kilpatrick Civic Fund espoused lofty goals. But in 10 years of reporting on the nonprofit's activities, I have yet to see proof that it spent any of the more than $1.8 million it raised on its noble purpose.
Friday, January 18 2013 11:32 AM EST2013-01-18 16:32:21 GMT
People say all the time that Detroit is the biggest small town in the world, but five months of testimony can leave you feeling like it's also one of the most incestuous.
People say all the time that Detroit is the biggest small town in the world, but five months of testimony can leave you feeling like it's also one of the most incestuous.
Tuesday, January 15 2013 1:25 PM EST2013-01-15 18:25:50 GMT
It may come as no surprise that I see nothing wrong with Derrick Miller's decision to testify against his former best friend and boss, Kwame Kilpatrick. Read more from M.L. Elrick.
A reporter's only friend is the truth. So it may come as no surprise that I see nothing wrong with Derrick Miller's decision to testify against his former best friend and boss, Kwame Kilpatrick. Read more from M.L. Elrick.
Friday, January 11 2013 3:42 PM EST2013-01-11 20:42:06 GMT
If you're wondering how messed up Kwame Kilpatrick's life is, this next sentence pretty much says it all: Kwame Kilpatrick could learn a lot from Charlie Sheen.
If you're wondering how messed up Kwame Kilpatrick's life is, this next sentence pretty much says it all: Kwame Kilpatrick could learn a lot from Charlie Sheen.
Friday, December 21 2012 11:24 AM EST2012-12-21 16:24:20 GMT
Since it looks like no one else in the Kilpatrick Inc. case is going to cop to anything, I reckon it's up to me make a confession: I like Bobby Ferguson.
Since it looks like no one else in the Kilpatrick Inc. case is going to cop to anything, I reckon it's up to me make a confession: I like Bobby Ferguson.
Tuesday, December 18 2012 12:45 PM EST2012-12-18 17:45:05 GMT
Perhaps he will testify that he took all of that loot and gave it to the poor. And perhaps this column is being typed by a thousand of those flying monkeys from the 'Wizard of Oz.'
Perhaps he will testify that he took all of that loot and gave it to the poor. And perhaps this column is being typed by a thousand of those flying monkeys from the 'Wizard of Oz.'
Friday, December 21 2012 9:45 AM EST2012-12-21 14:45:40 GMT
Elrick: But, in the end, he went to jail -- and I went to practice. Kwame Kilpatrick and I don't have much in common these days, but I bet we share a mutual distaste for room G-1 in the courthouse.
Elrick: But, in the end, he went to jail -- and I went to practice. Kwame Kilpatrick and I don't have much in common these days, but I bet we share a mutual distaste for room G-1 in the courthouse.
Thursday, December 6 2012 7:27 AM EST2012-12-06 12:27:25 GMT
As prosecutors ticked off the 20 flights businessman Tony Soave provided Kwame Kilpatrick and his family, I got antsy in court waiting to see if one trip in particular made the list.
As Prosecutor Michael Bullotta ticked off the 20 round-trip flights businessman Tony Soave provided Kwame Kilpatrick and his family, I got antsy in court Wednesday waiting to see if one trip in particular made the list.
Wednesday, December 5 2012 10:13 AM EST2012-12-05 15:13:14 GMT
I hate to say "I told you so … " Wait. That's not true. I LOVE to say "I told you so." (Hell, it's one of the reasons I launched this damn column!) So, without further adieu: "I told you so, Kwame Kilpatrick." It
I hate to say "I told you so … " Wait. That's not true. I LOVE to say "I told you so." (Hell, it's one of the reasons I launched this damn column!) So, without further adieu: "I told you so, Kwame Kilpatrick." It
Tuesday, December 4 2012 8:08 AM EST2012-12-04 13:08:58 GMT
With talk Monica Conyers may be leaving Camp Cupcake for a half-way house soon, and Sam Riddle popping up at the federal courthouse last week, I got to thinking about the day I spent with both of them years ago.
With talk Monica Conyers may be leaving Camp Cupcake for a half-way house soon, and Sam Riddle popping up at the federal courthouse last week, I got to thinking about the hot, crazy day I spent with both of them more than three years ago.
Friday, November 30 2012 8:01 AM EST2012-11-30 13:01:14 GMT
People have been peppering me with two questions. Are Kwame Kilpatrick and his cronies going to get convicted? And when is this trial going to end? Read M.L. Elrick's answers here.
People have been peppering me with two questions. Are Kwame Kilpatrick and his cronies going to get convicted? And when is this ever-lovin' legal equivalent of the Bataan Death March going to end? Read M.L. Elrick's answers here.
Wednesday, November 28 2012 12:10 PM EST2012-11-28 17:10:05 GMT
We've had a couple moments during this trial that have reinforced the importance of setting the right priorities in our lives – you know, those precious few hours that DON'T involve sitting on hard benches
We've had a couple moments during this trial that have reinforced the importance of setting the right priorities in our lives – you know, those precious few hours that DON'T involve sitting on hard benches
Wednesday, November 14 2012 3:40 PM EST2012-11-14 20:40:30 GMT
Victor Mercado hangs over the trial as a reminder of what pressure can do to a man facing 20 years in prison.
Victor Mercado hangs over the trial as a reminder of what pressure can do to a man facing 20 years in prison -- even a man who believed so strongly in his innocence that he passed up a chance to get on with his life in return for a virtual slap on the wrist.
Friday, October 26 2012 6:52 AM EDT2012-10-26 10:52:07 GMT
So far, there's been nary a peep from co-defendant Victor Mercado. Things may be heating up at the lonely end of the defense table after Wednesday, however.
So far, there's been nary a peep from co-defendant Victor Mercado. Things may be heating up at the lonely end of the defense table after Wednesday, however.
Tuesday, October 23 2012 7:41 AM EDT2012-10-23 11:41:34 GMT
I wore my Ali Barba tie to court on Monday. Partly because it reminds me of happier days for Kwame Kilpatrick. Partly because it makes me think about how much of himself Kilpatrick revealed on the day I bought it.
I wore my Ali Barba tie to court on Monday. Partly because it reminds me of happier days for Kwame Kilpatrick. Partly because it makes me think about how much of himself Kilpatrick revealed on the day I bought it.
Thursday, October 18 2012 8:25 AM EDT2012-10-18 12:25:30 GMT
As a good Catholic boy, attorney Jim Thomas probably might take umbrage if folks started calling him "Doubting Thomas." Perhaps "Raising Reasonable Doubt Thomas" would be a more apt nickname.
As a good Catholic boy, attorney Jim Thomas probably might take umbrage if folks started calling him "Doubting Thomas." Perhaps "Raising Reasonable Doubt Thomas" would be a more apt nickname.
Wednesday, October 17 2012 6:43 AM EDT2012-10-17 10:43:37 GMT
Some days, the testimony in the Kilpatrick & Co. trial makes me feel like I'm in a time machine. The name that triggered one of those flashbacks on Tuesday was Abner McWhorter.
Some days, the testimony in the Kilpatrick & Co. trial makes me feel like I'm in a time machine. The name that triggered one of those flashbacks on Tuesday was Abner McWhorter.
Friday, October 12 2012 10:53 AM EDT2012-10-12 14:53:52 GMT
Gentle Reader, based on what I've heard in court this week, you and I may be the only people in Detroit who did NOT get a check from the Kilpatrick Civic Fund. And I'm not so sure about you. Kilpatrick's father,
Gentle Reader, based on what I've heard in court this week, you and I may be the only people in Detroit who did NOT get a check from the Kilpatrick Civic Fund. And I'm not so sure about you. Kilpatrick's father,
Thursday, October 11 2012 4:13 PM EDT2012-10-11 20:13:57 GMT
We found no sign of a brass pole in the living room or three-legged table, left wobbly by an enraged First Lady. We did make some odd discoveries.
An old friend's name came up in Wednesday's testimony, and it got me thinking to the time we got a private tour of the Manoogian Mansion. The friend, and sometime rival, is Steve Wilson...
Wednesday, October 10 2012 9:25 AM EDT2012-10-10 13:25:53 GMT
Why would the mayor want his top two security officialS learning how to spy on folks? It didn't occur to me until years later that Kilpatrick and his cronies were really interested in COUNTER-surveillance.
Why would the mayor want his top two security officials, who also happened to be good friends of his, learning how to spy on folks? It didn't occur to me until years later that Kilpatrick and his cronies were really interested in COUNTER-surveillance.
Friday, October 5 2012 6:46 AM EDT2012-10-05 10:46:16 GMT
Let me tell you about my disdain for the chicken-hearted bloggers and ding-dong ditch cowards who pollute online forums and, consequently, our community.
Let me tell you about my disdain for the chicken-hearted bloggers and ding-dong ditch cowards who pollute online forums and, consequently, our community.
Thursday, October 4 2012 4:09 PM EDT2012-10-04 20:09:10 GMT
It's easy to forget now, with Kwame Kilpatrick on trial and Barack Obama on TV seeking a second term in the White House, that 12 years ago Kilpatrick was a rising black star in the Democratic Party and
It's easy to forget now, with Kwame Kilpatrick on trial and Barack Obama on TV seeking a second term in the White House, that 12 years ago Kilpatrick was a rising black star in the Democratic Party and
Tuesday, October 2 2012 11:22 PM EDT2012-10-03 03:22:59 GMT
I didn't expect the drowsy juror with the hair dyed a color of red not found in nature to get her walking papers less than a day after I wrote about her trouble staying awake.
I didn't expect the drowsy juror with the hair dyed a color of red not found in nature to get her walking papers less than a day after I wrote about her trouble staying awake.
Friday, September 28 2012 10:00 PM EDT2012-09-29 02:00:55 GMT
One day after the feds questioned pay outs to Kilpatrick's wife, Carlita, prosecutors zeroed in on payments to a non-profit overseen by Bobby Ferguson's wife, Marilyn.
One day after the feds questioned pay outs to Kilpatrick's wife, Carlita, prosecutors zeroed in on payments to a non-profit overseen by Bobby Ferguson's wife, Marilyn.
Friday, September 28 2012 6:44 AM EDT2012-09-28 10:44:46 GMT
My name's come up a couple times in federal court this week in relation to work I did several years ago with Jim Schaefer and other colleagues at the Detroit Free Press.
My name's come up a couple times in federal court this week in relation to work I did several years ago with Jim Schaefer and other colleagues at the Detroit Free Press.
Tuesday, September 25 2012 8:19 PM EDT2012-09-26 00:19:48 GMT
Kwame Kilpatrick has lots of friends, but Mahlon Clift may not be one of them after today. It was in a hotel that Clift said Bobby Ferguson gave him $90,000 and told him hold on to this for "Black".
Kwame Kilpatrick has lots of friends, but Mahlon Clift may not be one of them after today. It was in a hotel that Clift said Bobby Ferguson gave him $90,000 and told him hold on to this for "Black".
Tuesday, September 25 2012 7:59 AM EDT2012-09-25 11:59:41 GMT
Even after Kwame Kilpatrick's fall from City Hall, his family and friends always turned out to support him at public appearances and in court. Until now.
Even after Kwame Kilpatrick's fall from City Hall, his family and friends always turned out to support him at public appearances and in court. Until now.
Monday, September 24 2012 6:44 PM EDT2012-09-24 22:44:02 GMT
Just when you thought you'd heard it all, Kwame Kilpatrick's shoes, make the news.A former mayoral bodyguard testified that Kilpatrick told him to take $1500 from one of Kilpatrick's shoes to pay off a
Just when you thought you'd heard it all, Kwame Kilpatrick's shoes, make the news.A former mayoral bodyguard testified that Kilpatrick told him to take $1500 from one of Kilpatrick's shoes to pay off a
Friday, September 21 2012 11:24 PM EDT2012-09-22 03:24:19 GMT
The defense attorneys in the Kilpatrick & Co. trial got up to speak on Friday. And since their mouths were open, that could mean only one thing: Another chance to blame the media for Hizzoner's predicament.
The defense attorneys in the Kilpatrick & Co. trial got up to speak on Friday. And since their mouths were open, that could mean only one thing: Another chance to blame the media for Hizzoner's predicament.
Thursday, September 20 2012 11:56 PM EDT2012-09-21 03:56:56 GMT
I've seen Kwame Kilpatrick's flair for self-preservation manifest itself over and over. That ability to take a hit and keep rolling will be sorely tested over the next four months.
I've seen Kwame Kilpatrick's flair for self-preservation manifest itself over and over. That ability to take a hit and keep rolling will be sorely tested over the next four months.
Thursday, September 20 2012 10:09 AM EDT2012-09-20 14:09:49 GMT
What a difference five days can make -- especially when you're trying to win a federal case.On Friday defense attorneys said they had no problem, with prosecutors grilling potential jurors who are black.But
What a difference five days can make -- especially when you're trying to win a federal case.On Friday defense attorneys said they had no problem, with prosecutors grilling potential jurors who are black.But
Wednesday, September 19 2012 9:48 AM EDT2012-09-19 13:48:25 GMT
In the midst of talk about bias, the media are the only people in the courtroom (other than the judge) whose profession demands that they remain objective.
In the midst of talk about bias, the media are the only people in the courtroom (other than the judge) whose profession demands that they remain objective. The lawyers, on the other hand, are paid to provide only their client's side of a story.
Friday, September 14 2012 5:14 PM EDT2012-09-14 21:14:58 GMT
Sometimes it seems like the attorneys, particularly the defense attorneys, would like a jury full of people who have no opinion or who have lived under a rock for the past decade.
Sometimes it seems like the attorneys, particularly the defense attorneys, would like a jury full of people who have no opinion or who have lived under a rock for the past decade.
Friday, September 14 2012 1:17 AM EDT2012-09-14 05:17:54 GMT
For the past few days, tensions ran high as attorneys worked to seat a jury in the Kwame Kilpatrick corruption trial, but Thursday the defense had no complaints. One reason is the racial makeup of the jury pool.
For the past few days, tensions ran high as attorneys worked to seat a jury in the Kwame Kilpatrick corruption trial, but Thursday the defense had no complaints. One reason is the racial makeup of the jury pool.
Wednesday, September 12 2012 9:42 AM EDT2012-09-12 13:42:00 GMT
For all the tedium of jury selection, the questions the defense attorneys are asking suggest that, once the trial gets under way, some raucous days lie ahead.
For all the tedium of jury selection, the questions the defense attorneys are asking suggest that, once the trial gets under way, some raucous days lie ahead.
Tuesday, September 11 2012 7:06 AM EDT2012-09-11 11:06:14 GMT
After three days and three dozen potential jurors, the pool of candidates to sit in judgment over Detroit's former mayor and his associates got a lot more diverse Monday.
After three days and three dozen potential jurors, the pool of candidates to sit in judgment over Detroit's former mayor and his associates got a lot more diverse Monday.
Thursday, September 6 2012 4:14 PM EDT2012-09-06 20:14:37 GMT
The man who became Detroit's youngest elected mayor now goes on trial on public corruption charges that could send him away for the rest of the best part of his life.
The man who became Detroit's youngest elected mayor now goes on trial on public corruption charges that could send him away for the rest of the best part of his life. Ever defiant, Kilpatrick said he is innocent and will emerge victorious.
Friday, August 17 2012 5:53 PM EDT2012-08-17 21:53:50 GMT
M.L. Elrick: I've been covering Kwame Kilpatrick since before he was first elected mayor in 2001 and, a decade later, it's amazing how little he's changed.
M.L. Elrick: I've been covering Kwame Kilpatrick since before he was first elected mayor in 2001 and, a decade later, it's amazing how little he's changed.
Wednesday, September 5 2012 4:54 PM EDT2012-09-05 20:54:05 GMT
Ferguson met Kilpatrick while Kilpatrick was a state representative and the two became close friends after Ferguson helped a constituent who contacted Kilpatrick about a snowed-in driveway. Ferguson was
Ferguson met Kilpatrick while Kilpatrick was a state representative and the two became close friends after Ferguson helped a constituent who contacted Kilpatrick about a snowed-in driveway. Ferguson was
M.L. Elrick is a Pulitzer Prize and Emmy Award winning investigative reporter (and former Detroit Tigers beer man) who loves a good story. His first bona fide newspaper investigation involved dorm security
M.L. Elrick is a Pulitzer Prize and Emmy Award winning investigative reporter (and former Detroit Tigers beer man) who loves a good story. His first bona fide newspaper investigation involved dorm security
Thursday, May 23 2013 7:38 PM EDT2013-05-23 23:38:56 GMT
Kwame Kilpatrick, now a convicted felon, officially fired his longtime attorney Jim Thomas on Thursday. It's a move that will delay the former mayor's sentencing.
Kwame Kilpatrick, now a convicted felon, officially fired his longtime attorney Jim Thomas on Thursday. It's a move that will delay the former mayor's sentencing.
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.
