Doing His City Wrong SMH: Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick Decides Not To Testify During Corruption Trial

Kwame Kilpatrick has chosen not to come to his own defense. The former mayor of Detroit decided not to testify during his corruption trial, Wednesday (Feb. 6).

After “thoroughly” discussing the matter with his attorney, Kilpatrick opted to keep quiet. “I'm choosing not to testify,” he told U.S. District Judge Nancy Edmunds.

The announcement comes as evidence presented in the trial ended after more than two months. Roughly 80 witnesses and documents including checks, and bank records, were used to build a case against Kilpatrick.

If he were to take the stand, the 42-year-old would've faced questions on his criminal record, and lying under oath about his father, Bernard's, affair with former aide Christine Beatty. The story was unearthed via text message records, and resulted in criminal charges brought against Kilpatrick.

Bernard, and Kilpatrick's friend, Bobby Ferguson—both of whom are defendants in the case—also chose not to testify.

The trio stands accused of running a scheme to fatten their pockets by accepting bribes in exchange for business contracts.

In late January Kilpatrick spent the weekend in jail for violating his parole. He received several money transfers which he failed to report to officials, and was slapped with a total of 14 violations.

Closing arguments in his corruption case are slated for Monday.