Posted by | Cyrena Rose
Kwame Kilpatrick‘s mayorship was plagued by numerous scandals and rampant accusations of corruption…so what was the outcome of his handful of crimes?
A 28-year prison sentence handed down by U.S. District Judge Nancy Edmunds today, seven months after he was convicted of public corruption in federal court!
According to the HuffingtonPost, Judge Edmunds said that it was important to look at the entire history of the defendant, noting that Kilpatrick’s numerous convictions regarding criminal enterprise were drawn from crimes committed during his entire six-year tenure as Detroit mayor, and possibly even during his time in the Michigan Legislature. It was also important to consider the enormity of the investigation — Edmunds said 34 other people have been convicted for crimes pertaining to Kilpatrick.
“Kwame Kilpatrick was entrusted by the citizens of Detroit to guide their city through one of its most challenging periods,” the prosecution’s memo read. “The city desperately needed resolute leadership. Instead it got a mayor looking to cash in on his office through graft, extortion and self-dealing.”
Kilpatrick was found guilty on 24 counts related to bid-rigging, extortion and bribery in his latest trial, which ended in March. He has already been jailed three times.
In court on Thursday, Kilpatrick briefly addressed the crowd before the sentence was read, choking up as he struggled to speak. “I respectfully ask for a fair sentence, based on what happened here.” he said, according to the Detroit Free Press. “I respect the jury’s verdict … I think your honor knows that I disagree with it.”
Edmunds said she will recommend Kilpatrick be sent to a prison in Texas, where his family lives.
The government asked for a minimum 28-year prison sentence, while the defense says Kilpatrick should be sentenced to no more than 15 years – the government won!
RC fans, what do you think about Kilpatrick’s 28-year sentences? Please share your…
Photo credit: AP/Paul Sancya