Kwame Kilpatrick Claims Prosecutors Are ‘Bullying’ Over Restitution

Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is firing back at federal prosecutors, accusing them of “extortion” and “bullying” in their ongoing efforts to collect restitution from his 2013 racketeering conviction. Kilpatrick claims that prosecutors are wrongfully targeting his family’s finances, freezing accounts that he insists do not belong to him.

The Restitution Dispute

The core of the issue lies in a $13,000 hold placed on accounts to help pay off Kilpatrick’s remaining restitution of $823,649. However, Kilpatrick argues that this money is held by Pathfinder Consulting Firm LLC, where his wife, LaTicia, serves as the resident agent. The firm also owns a significant property, a nearly 4,000-square-foot home.

Despite Kilpatrick’s assertions, prosecutors maintain that both the money and the home are effectively his, making them subject to federal seizure. This disagreement has led to a tense legal battle, with Kilpatrick filing a federal court document to push back against the claims and seek the release of the frozen funds.

Impact on Family and Finances

The consequences of this financial freeze have been severe for Kilpatrick and his family. He disclosed in the court filing that they have had to withdraw their children from school due to the lack of access to financial resources for nearly four months. Kilpatrick described the situation as a “travesty of justice.”

Furthermore, Kilpatrick claims that leaked documents and discussions about sealed court filings have damaged his reputation and chilled potential speaking engagement invitations, exacerbating his financial difficulties. He views the prosecutors’ actions as a “malicious enforcement” aimed at reclaiming the owed money.

Accusations of Extortion and Bullying

Kilpatrick vehemently argues that his wife and her finances should not be obligated to pay his restitution. He emphasized that LaTicia is not under federal court jurisdiction, has never committed a crime, and is not involved in any legal matters. “LaTicia is not under any federal court jurisdiction, has never committed a crime, nor is she currently involved in any matter with any state or federal court,” he stated. He characterized the prosecutors’ actions as “bullying at best, but much more akin to extortion.”

This legal fight comes after Kilpatrick had previously entered into a secret agreement with the federal government to repay the stolen taxpayer dollars. That agreement has since become public as his legal battles continue.