Following a conviction for public corruption, a judge ruled that Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick will spend 28 years in federal prison.
Kilpatrick was sentenced by U.S. District Judge Nancy Edmunds today to serve 28 years in federal prison.
“The government has asked for a sentence of 28 years — I believe that is in fact what his sentence should be,” Edmunds said.
If you recall, jurors convicted Kilpatrick of a handful of crimes, including racketeering conspiracy, which carries a maximum punishment of 20 years behind bars. He was portrayed during a five-month trial as an unscrupulous politician who took bribes, rigged contracts and lived far beyond his means while in office until fall 2008.
Kilpatrick ran what the government called a money-making racket out of City Hall that steered millions to himself, his family and his friends while the impoverished city hobbled along. The government had asked for a minimum 28-year prison sentence, while the defense says Kilpatrick should be sentenced to no more than 15 years.
Edmunds said she will recommend Kilpatrick be sent to a prison in Texas, where his family lives.
SOURCE: Detroit Free Press | PHOTO CREDIT: Getty
