Going after the money trail.
The prosecution continues to try and prove Kilpatrick has not been truthful about his ability to continue paying $6,000 each month in restitution.
There have been numerous bombshells in court — most explosive being the fact Kilpatrick spent more than $15, 000 plastic surgery for his wife. Also on his list of expenses $595 at Gucci Store, and other bills for Golf , and nail salons.
Prosecution then went on to say Kilpatrick wrongly kept a $20,000 tax refund he could have used to pay his restitution. Prosecution also introduced documentation showing Kilpatrick used political funds to write a check to a cousin and the charity ran by his sister.
Kilpatrick continues to say he won’t answer certain questions because of marital privilege. Judge Groner warned Kilpatrick if he continues to claim marital privilege it may prove he did not follow court orders.
Fifth Blog Entry: 2:40 p.m.
Back in session after lunch break.
Kwame Kilpatrick and attorney Michael Shwartz are both late – more than 15 minutes. Judge Groner admonished Schwartz for being late and delaying the court. The prosecution asks about a moving invoice paid to Dennis More and Gale Force Entertainment and Sports located at 14900 Beck Road, Plymouth Michigan. Date of invoice 11/26/08.
Kilpatrick says he doesn’t know that name. The prosecution says its the address of the Plymouth Whalers – the hockey team owned by Peter Karmanos.
Kilpatrick has no knowledge of an invoice to Dennis Moore in regards to his family’s move from Florida to Dallas.
Earlier in the morning, Kilpatrick told the Court the Kilpatrick Civic Fund did authorize some moving expenses on behalf of his family. If you recall the Civic Fund is a non-profit fund that was established to promote political education.
Kilpatraick did take a $15,00 deduction for moving on his taxes …. so now the prosecution is asking Kilpatrick he paid an EXTRA $15,000 on top of the amount the Civic Fund paid. The prosecution is trying to find out if Kilpatrick took a deduction on his taxes, which was not allowed.
Schwartz says the prosecution is trying to turn the court proceedings into something MORE than just restitution, she is trying to trick Kilpatrick into saying false statements.
Fourth Blog Entry: 11:17 a.m.
The Kilpatrick Civic Fund is now the topic of questioning. If you recall this non-profit fund was set up to raise funds for political and civic education.
Prosecution is asking Kilpatrick if the Civic Fund did indeed did pay $9, 400 for a lease for housing for Kilpatrick , as well as $ 1,050 for the fee for the company to find Kilpatrick a home, referencing checks signed by April Edgar and Kandia Milton. These were checks paid to Regality Business Services.
Kilpatrick stated that The Board of the Kilpatrick Civic Fund had a meeting in which they decided to pay for your housing , since Kilpatrick was the lead of this organization the board decided to pay for transitional housing and moving expenses.
When asked who was on the Board, Kilpatrick would not offer up names, but said it was public information.
Kilpatrick asks to talk to his attorney – so the judge granted a ten minute break.
Third Blog Post: 10:38 a.m.
Kilpatrick just testified a man by the name of Jim Carlisle, owns the house he lives in on LaPoloma Court. Kilpatrick then asked the judge if the prosecution had the right to just “drop names” like that in court. Judge Groner said his defense could object – but didn’t.
Kilpatrick then told the court he was very active in searching for a home, looking at accommodations, size of home, colors etc. But his wife was in charge of the financial matters of the lease and the terms of renting a house Frustrated Kilpatrick said the prosecutor he knows what she is trying to do … and “this is really not about restitution.” The Judge struck those comments from the record.
Kilpatrick did not want to answer further questions about the rental of the home under marital privilege.
Second Blog Post: 10:21 a.m.
Kilpatrick is back on the stand. Prosecutor Athina Siringas asked Kilpatrick if his wife took over the family finances once he was incarcerated. Kilpatrick said yes that was a necessity, and she has continued to take control over the family finances since his release.
Kilpatrick has just stated that the money he gets paid by Covisint goes to his personal checking account.
Kilpatrick then testified his wife pays the family’s bills many of them paid with funds from their joint checking account.
Kilpatrick then testified the restitution he has to pay each month, he pays himself, his wife has never paid.
First Blog Post: 10:04 a.m.
Former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has just entered Judge David Groner’s courtroom nodding his head and giving a slight smile to a few in the courtroom.
Judge Groner is addressing a topic that was mentioned at the last court proceeding, when Kilpatrick said he had to go because he had a business meeting he needed to attend. That would give him the opportunity to earn some $300, 000 money that could be used to help pay back his restitution.
Judge Groner at that time asked for a letter and documentation to show Kilpatrick in deed needed to attend this meeting and therefore the court proceedings must be adjourned. Judge Groner has just stated he did not receive the requested information.
December 7, 2009 at 6:14 pm |
Kilpatrick late to return after lunch. Just another example of his arrogance!! He acts like this is all a joke! I hope the justice system works and justice is served in this case.