Detroit Mayor to Learn Whether He Will Be Charged
DETROIT _ Even on Easter Sunday, when the sermon at Kwame Kilpatrick’s church focused on the story of Jesus’ resurrection and issues transcending politics, some parishioners’ thoughts turned to the mayor’s worldly cares and legal travails.
“I’m on pins and needles,” Martha Jones, 78, a Detroiter who attended the noon service at Greater Emmanuel Institution Church of God in Christ. “This is really a serious thing.”
Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy is to announce at 11 a.m. Monday whether she will charge the mayor or anyone else in connection with the text message scandal that has rocked metro Detroit for the past two months.
Worthy’s investigation began after the Detroit Free Press uncovered text messages that showed a romantic relationship between Kilpatrick and his then-chief of staff, Christine Beatty _ a relationship both had denied under oath during a police whistle-blower lawsuit last summer.
The pair also gave misleading testimony about the firing of Deputy Chief Gary Brown, the messages show.
Kilpatrick authorized a settlement in that case to pay the former officers $8.4 million.
Worshippers at Greater Emmanuel were divided on his culpability. One called out, “We love Kwame!” to reporters outside of the church, while another shouted that the mayor should resign.
Several worshippers said they were praying for the mayor and his family, no matter Worthy’s decision.
“Really, we just have to wait and see,” said Roland Dungen, who said Kilpatrick attended services March 16.
Lauritta Waller said she has faith in the city and in Worthy.
“I can’t throw a stone,” she said. “We all make mistakes.
“I say, if you’re going to prosecute him, prosecute him. If you’re not, it’s time to let it go.”
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