He may be the most controversial political figure in Michigan's history. Kwame Kilpatrick was mayor of Detroit, but he was sent to prison in 2008 after a scandal involving text messages. He faces trial for corruption this fall, but the former mayor is also promoting a new book and spreading a message.
He was once a rising political star, a young mayor showing promise for himself and the city of Detroit, but four years ago that all changed. Kilpatrick was charged with perjury and resigned during a now notorious text messaging scandal.
"What happened is I had an affair and lied about it and all the fallout afterwards," Kilpatrick says.
Afterwards, Kilpatrick was in and out of jail after admitting to lying under oath and being accused of not using his assets to pay nearly $1 million in restitution to the City of Detroit.
His troubles aren't over yet. In February of this year came charges of extortion. A broader corruption trial is set for this fall.
So where did Kilpatrick spend Father's Day? He was at a Toledo church.
"Last year at this time on Father's Day, I was not too far from here in Jackson correctional facility," he says.
Kilpatrick, now 42, says he's travelling the country talking about his rise and fall and promoting his autobiography, which chronicles what he calls his "life-changing situation."
"I actually wrote my book in solitary confinement," he says. "Michigan wanted to show me they were the boss of me, so they took a non-violent first time offender and threw him in solitary."
When asked whether the proceeds of his book should go to the city of Detroit, Kilpatrick made it clear he'll follow whatever is directed by the court.
"People are depressed and angry, and sometimes people point that anger in the wrong directions," he says. "My attitude is I'm here today at the worship center. It's Father's Day. I'm here to share a message, and that's pretty much it."
Next Sunday, Kilpatrick sits down with Doni Miller for an interview on Bridges at 11:30am on 13abc.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 7:57 PM EDT2013-06-19 23:57:53 GMT
Three brothers from Morenci disappeared more than 2 and a half years ago. Tonight their case is getting national attention on a new John Walsh show. Alexander, Andrew and Tanner Skelton's story will
Three brothers from Morenci disappeared more than two and a half years ago. Alexander, Andrew and Tanner Skelton's story will be part of a new series call John Walsh Investigates. The episode airs Wednesday night at 9:00.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 8:18 PM EDT2013-06-20 00:18:12 GMT
LOS ANGELES (AP) - HBO and James Gandolfini's managers say the actor famous for his role in "The Sopranos" has died in Italy. The cable channel, and managers Mark Armstrong and Nancy Sanders, say the
HBO and James Gandolfini's managers say the actor famous for his role in "The Sopranos" has died in Italy.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:18 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:18:19 GMT
Toledo firefighters are on the scene of a house fire in Toledo. The fire broke out at a home on the 1100 block of Avondale just after 11:30pm Tuesday. Dispatchers tell us heavy flames are showing.
Toledo firefighters were called to the scene of a house fire in Toledo. Firefighters say they found a strong odor of gasoline inside of the home, indicating the house was possibly the target of a firebombing.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:15 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:15:15 GMT
Most of us wouldn't be able to swim across Lake Erie, so imagine doing it with a debilitating condition. A Maumee man with Crohn's disease is training to cross the lake to help raise money and awareness
Maumee man set to swim across Lake Erie in an effort to raise money for help Crohn's disease research.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:12 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:12:43 GMT
Five St. Ursula students traveled to Washington, DC to be honored with the Jefferson Award for Community Service. As part of their trip, they met with Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur. Washington Bureau Chief
Five St. Ursula students traveled to Washington, DC to be honored with the Jefferson Award for Community Service. As part of their trip, they met with Congresswoman Marcy Kaptur. Washington Bureau Chief Jacqueline Policastro tagged along during their visit.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:09 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:09:35 GMT
Changes in technology are forcing Blissfield Manufacturing to close one plant and expand another. The company made the tough decision to shut down its Portland, Indiana plant as the owners work hard
Blissfield company announces it is closing a plant in Indiana and consolidating operations in its Blissfield headquarters adding 73 jobs.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 6:06 PM EDT2013-06-19 22:06:31 GMT
A warrant has been issued for a suspect in a shooting Tuesday afternoon. It happened on Jervis near Bloomfield in Toledo. Investigators say Jacob Rosas met the suspect to sell a car to him, but the suspect
A warrant has been issued for a suspect in a shooting Tuesday afternoon. It happened on Jervis near Bloomfield in Toledo.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:51 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:51:41 GMT
After more than 4 inches of rain in the first half of June, northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Spraying is underway in hopes of reducing the threat of mosquito-borne illnesses.
After more than 4 inches of rain in the first half of June, northwest Ohio and southeast Michigan has become a breeding ground for mosquitoes. Spraying is underway in hopes of reducing the threat of mosquito-borne illnesses.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:36 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:36:45 GMT
A woman told authorities she was held captive for more than a year by three people who forced her to do housework, raided her bank account and menaced her with snakes and pit bulls. But an attorney
A woman told authorities she was held captive for more than a year by three people who forced her to do housework, raided her bank account and menaced her with snakes and pit bulls.
Wednesday, June 19 2013 5:11 PM EDT2013-06-19 21:11:48 GMT
First Energy got started on a project to make its energy grid in Sandusky County more reliable, but the means of getting the job done may surprise some people. The company is using a helicopter to hang
First Energy got started on a project to make its energy grid in Sandusky County more reliable, but the means of getting the job done may surprise some people. The company is using a helicopter to hang high voltage transmission lines onto the arms of towers.
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