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.
By M.L. Elrick FOX 2 Investigative Reporter
SOUTHFIELD, Mich. (WJBK) -- You may remember Kwame Kilpatrick getting money from a Chicago preacher, not reporting it, then going back to jail. What you haven't seen are the former mayor's emails to his parole officer. Those emails show that Kilpatrick desperately wanted to avoid a trip back behind bars.
Kilpatrick picked up $2,000 last December at a Walmart in Chesterfield Township. He didn't report that dough. State officials say that was a no-no, a violation of his parole.
Kilpatrick told me these transactions weren't a problem, but emails show that before long he became plenty worried.
In a January 14 email, one of dozens we got through Michigan's Freedom of Information Act, Kilpatrick wrote, "I am working hard to show that I am a better person. My family and my freedom are of the utmost importance to me."
By then, parole agents had told him he was under virtual house arrest at his mother's place.
On January 17, he wrote to officials that it was wrong to separate a man from his wife and children.
Kilpatrick's family lives in a palatial home outside Dallas, Texas. He wrote, "I am really struggling with the decision of intentionally separating a husband from his wife, and a father from his children. I know that this communication may appear to be written for only personal reasons. I assure you it's not."
The former mayor went on to argue that keeping families together is the best way to fight crime.
"I am humbly sending this missive in hopes that you will at least try to do all that you can do to promote family."
The records also show that parole officials pressed Kilpatrick for information on the proceeds of his memoir. Even though his sister, Ayanna, was involved in the deal, Kilpatrick claims he has no knowledge of the book deal or whether any books sold.
The records also show that while Kilpatrick claimed he had no idea he was required to report gifts, in at least three months last year his listing of income notes "no gifts received".
Other emails reveal that Kilpatrick sought permission to join his family for the Martin Luther King holiday weekend, but that request was denied.
In fact, Kilpatrick spent the following weekend in prison as part of a deal to resolve 14 parole violations stemming from his failure to disclose the cash gifts Fox 2 uncovered.
Speaking of those cash gifts, Kilpatrick wrote that he snagged one from the Walmart in Chesterfield Township because there are no Walmart stores in Detroit.
That Chesterfield Township Walmart is 30 miles away from his mother's house. Somehow he must have missed the one in Dearborn that's less than ten miles away.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:49 AM EDT2013-05-24 15:49:41 GMT
Investigators say the number of tips is dwindling in the kidnapping and slaying of a 5-year-old Michigan girl who disappeared four years ago and was found buried near a Michigan river.
Investigators say the number of tips is dwindling in the kidnapping and slaying of a 5-year-old Michigan girl who disappeared four years ago and was found buried near a Michigan river.
Friday, May 24 2013 11:19 AM EDT2013-05-24 15:19:24 GMT
Officials say the Detroit Institute of Arts' collection could be sold to help satisfy creditors if the financially troubled city of Detroit seeks bankruptcy protection.
Officials say the Detroit Institute of Arts' collection could be sold to help satisfy creditors if the financially troubled city of Detroit seeks bankruptcy protection.
Friday, May 24 2013 10:15 AM EDT2013-05-24 14:15:15 GMT
More than 150 dogs have been removed from locations owned by a breeding facility in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula, where officials said the animals were living in outdoor enclosures with little protection.
More than 150 dogs have been removed from locations owned by a breeding facility in Michigan's northern Lower Peninsula, where officials said the animals were living in outdoor enclosures with little protection.
Friday, May 24 2013 8:27 AM EDT2013-05-24 12:27:33 GMT
If you'd like to contribute to the Oklahoma tornado relief efforts, FOX 2's Amy Andrews says you can drop off supplies at the Democratic Club of Taylor (23400 Wick Rd.) now through Sunday.
If you'd like to contribute to the Oklahoma tornado relief efforts, FOX 2's Amy Andrews says you can drop off supplies at the Democratic Club of Taylor (23400 Wick Rd.) now through Sunday.
Friday, May 24 2013 7:19 AM EDT2013-05-24 11:19:36 GMT
Michigan's public schools would get about 3 percent more and it's community colleges and universities about 2 percent more in overall funding next fiscal year under measures approved by Republican-led budget panels.
Michigan's public schools would get about 3 percent more and it's community colleges and universities about 2 percent more in overall funding next fiscal year under measures approved by Republican-led budget panels.
Friday, May 24 2013 6:47 AM EDT2013-05-24 10:47:05 GMT
Jimmy Howard stopped 25 shots as the Red Wings beat the Chicago Blackhawks 2-0 on Thursday night in Game 4 of the second round series to put the NHL's best team during the regular season on the brink of elimination.
Jimmy Howard stopped 25 shots as the Red Wings beat the Chicago Blackhawks 2-0 on Thursday night in Game 4 of the second round series to put the NHL's best team during the regular season on the brink of elimination.
