Thursday, March 28, 2024

Kwame Kilpatrick eloquently apologizes but sentenced to federal prison for 28 years

Kwame Kilpatrick in happier days.
Kwame Kilpatrick in happier days.

Today former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick received a sentence of up to 28 years in federal prison from U.S. District Judge Nancy Edmunds.

“The government has asked for a sentence of 28 years,” Edmunds said. “I believe that is in fact what his sentence should be.” She added, “I think everyone here understands Mr. Kilpatrick was convicted of running a criminal enterprise.”

Kilpatrick was convicted of racketeering, bribery, extortion and tax crimes.

“I just humbly and respectfully ask for a fair sentence … I respect the jury’s verdict. I think your honor knows I have disagreed in terms of the specific things I was found guilty on, but I respect the verdict and I also respect the American justice system,” he said.

He added: “We’ve  been stuck in this town for a very long time over me, and I’m ready to let go so the city can move on. People here are suffering, they’re hurting and a great deal of that hurt I accept full responsibility for. I apologized to everyone who will listen, but it never seems to get heard.”

“I really, really, really messed up,” he said, adding he takes full responsibility for all his actions, including lying about the affair with former chief of staff Christine Beatty. He said he initially felt his actions were private, but finally “got it,” saying he knows he broke the trust of the public. When he finally “got it,” he said he started enjoying life for the first time while in Texas with his wife and three sons.

And then he said he felt bad about how happy he was while Detroit was mired in economic misery.

“I apologize to the citizens of this city for abandoning you and to leave you like I did,” Kilpatrick said.

His attorneys have pledged to appeal, and in the meantime will request he is allowed to serve his sentence in Texas where his family is located.

To read more, visit CBS Detroit.

2 COMMENTS

  1. Eloquent is in the eyes of the beholder! I promise it was described as that way in either the article I linked to or the one on the Detroit press. Of course, given what the city is going through – many were likely not impressed. As it appears neither was the judge.

    Thanks for reaching out!

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