The surprise development came as Michigan Gov. Jennifer Granholm heard evidence in an extraordinary hearing that could result in the married mayor’s removal from office. The outcome of the criminal case does not necessarily bear on the governor’s hearing.

The City Council is trying to have Kilpatrick removed, saying it was misled when it approved an US$8.4 million settlement last year with fired police officers.

Council members say they didn’t know the deal carried secret provisions to keep a lid on steamy text messages between Kilpatrick and Christine Beatty, who was his chief of staff, on city-issued pagers.

The office of Wayne County prosecutor Kym Worthy said Wednesday that an agreement in the perjury case was expected soon, first saying it would come that afternoon and later saying it would be Thursday.

Kilpatrick attorney James Thomas, who was at the governor’s hearing Wednesday, agreed it was “apparent that they are close” to a plea deal, but said it was not a sure thing.

A spokesman for the mayor, Chris Garrett, told The Associated Press that a statement from the mayor’s office was not expected Wednesday night and that negotiations with prosecutors continue.

Kilpatrick was not at the hearing Wednesday and was not required to attend. A spokeswoman said he was working on city business.

The mayor would automatically be expelled from office if he is convicted of a felony. But even if he avoids a felony conviction in the perjury case and persuades the governor not to remove him, he still faces assault charges stemming from a confrontation in July.

After the Detroit Free Press published the text messages between Kilpatrick and Beatty this year, the mayor and his aide were charged in Wayne County Circuit Court with perjury, conspiracy, misconduct and obstruction of justice.

Subscribe to The China Post and save.  Click hereSharePrintEmail

Write a Comment

Enter your comments - 800 characters max

Receive China Post promos

Respond to this email