An article by Pulitzer-Prize-winning journalist ML Elrick, who co-authored (with Jim Schaefer) the Detroit Free Press exposé on Kilpatrick and his administration in 2008.
But it's tough to get 600,000 people to agree on anything. And memories of Kilpatrick's mendacity and misappropriations are fading, even among the 32,000 retired city workers whose pensions were slashed as a result of Hizzoner's crooked deals and the mismanagement that contributed to Detroit's dubious distinction as the largest city in American history to declare bankruptcy.
When it comes to predicting what someone will do, actions speak louder than words. So, before we take a refresher course on the laws Kilpatrick absolutely did break and try to add up all the money he still owes Detroiters and every other taxpayer in the United States, I'm going to share a few stories you haven't heard that may provide insights into whether one of the most talented and charismatic cats I've ever met really is the rare leopard who has changed his spots.
Of the $1 million in restitution he agreed to pay the City of Detroit as part of his plea deal to resolve perjury and obstruction charges brought against him for lying during a whistle-blower trial, he still owes more than $854,000.