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) -
In the Kilpatrick corruption trial, the latest witness for the prosecution started out strong, but Thursday defense attorneys caught him in a lie.
Bernard Parker III was looking like yet another in a recent string of compelling government witnesses until he ran into one teensy problem -- his own words.
"He admitted he lied under oath, so that's that," said Ferguson attorney Mike Rataj.
If Parker's pants caught fire on the witness stand, there was plenty of rain falling to put it out as he hustled from the courthouse.
At issue was an email Parker wrote to his bosses that said a top Kilpatrick appointee wanted a contribution, but Parker acknowledged that the request really came from Bobby Ferguson, who witnesses have said often acted like a high ranking official even though he didn't work for the city.
Parker's admission promoted a heated exchange with Ferguson attorney Gerald Evelyn.
EVELYN: Either you're lying to your bosses or you're lying to this jury.
PARKER: I lied to my bosses.
EVELYN: Why?
PARKER: Because I feared Bobby and we were trying to raise money.
EVELYN: So you're the type of person who will lie -- when there's an advantage for you?
Rataj said Parker's lie undermined his credibility.
"He did not stand up under cross examination and that's the bottom line."
Parker testified Wednesday that Ferguson used his influence with Kwame Kilpatrick to strong arm contractors. He said Ferguson acted illegally in forcing forms like Walbridge Aldinger to cut him in on their multi-million dollar city deals.
Evelyn hammered Parker for taking a job with Ferguson even though he believed Ferguson was breaking the law.
EVELYN: That didn't deter you from going to work for him in 2007.
PARKER: I made a bad judgment.
Still, Parker insisted that Ferguson essentially extorted contractors. While defense attorneys got worked up, Parker's grace under pressure led to one of the day's funnier exchanges.
EVELYN: You're smiling.
PARKER: I'm just a happy man.
EVELYN: You're not supposed to be smiling.
Rataj said nothing, well almost nothing, will stop defense attorneys from going after government witnesses like Parker.
"I'm a zealous advocate for my client in that I'm going to stick up for him and I'm going to continue to do that and no one's going to stop me. So that's that."
What about the Mayans?
"We all go down together. That's all I can say."
Assuming the Mayans are wrong and the world doesn't end, we'll be back in court on Friday and then off for two weeks. That's a welcome respite for a trial that should've been wrapping up any day now, but promises to drag on to at least February.
Monday, May 20 2013 4:27 PM EDT2013-05-20 20:27:35 GMT
The National Weather Service has issued a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH for all of Southeast Michigan except Lenawee and Monroe counties until 8:00 p.m. Monday as temperatures soar into the upper 80s.
The National Weather Service has issued a SEVERE THUNDERSTORM WATCH for all of Southeast Michigan except Lenawee and Monroe counties until 8:00 p.m. Monday as temperatures soar into the upper 80s.
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 8:24 AM EDT2013-05-20 12:24:48 GMT
The Detroit Red Wings look to go up 2-1 in their second-round series tonight when they face the top-seeded Chicago Blackhawks at Joe Louis Arena. The Red Wings evened the series at 1-all with a 4-1 victory on Saturday.
The Detroit Red Wings look to go up 2-1 in their second-round series tonight when they face the top-seeded Chicago Blackhawks at Joe Louis Arena. The Red Wings evened the series at 1-all with a 4-1 victory on Saturday.
