Breaking News: Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick Charged with Perjury, Obstruction of Justice in Sex Scandal

Monday March 24, 2008- Today Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick was charged by the County Prosecutor Kym Worthy on several counts of perjury, obstruction of justice and misconduct in office in connection with a sex scandal involving Kilpatrick and his former chief of staff. In total, there are 12 possible counts on the indictment. Kilpatrick refused to resign from office, instead taking his chances in court.

Around 1pm today, Kilpatrick's attorney Daniel Webb made a statement to the press on behalf of Kilpatrick, stating that the Detroit mayor was innocent and should be exonerated from the charges. Webb stated that he told the mayor that he should not resign from office and that he should be entitled to his day in court by a jury of his Detroit peers. Webb also accused the prosecutor's office of "selective prosecution" because it is extremely rare for someone to be charged with perjury for lying during a civil trial. Webb also stated that he and Kilpatrick will not bring the case to the media and that furthermore, Kilpatrick will not be commenting on the case while it has gone to trial.

In January it was first reported by the Detroit Free Press that Kilpatrick had an affair with Christine Beatty who was the chief of staff for the mayor at the time. Beatty has since resigned from her position. The Free Press had reported that Kilpatrick and Beatty had exchanged text messages indicating that they were having an affair. Kilpatrick is currently married with three children.

Among the chargers being brought against Kilpatrick, include an obstruction of justice charge, claiming that Kilpatrick retaliated against the police officers who were investigating his sex scandal. The prosecutor's office has also alleged that Kilpatrick and Beatty committed during the sex scandal trial.

In Kilpatrick's statement to the press, he stated that he fully believes in his innocence and that he is looking forward to continuing to help the city of Detroit.

Lat week, the Detroit City Council voted 7-1 in asking the mayor to resign but the vote was non-binding, meaning that Kilpatrick is not forced to resign. In his press conference today, Kilpatrick said he would not be resigning.

Prosecutor Worthy also asked that Kilpatrick turn himself in to police by Tuesday morning, a request that Kilpatrick and his attorney say they will comply with fully. In her own press conference, Worthy stated that Kilpatrick lied under oath during the investigation into the sex scandal and has hampered her investigation. Worthy also stated that paperwork was filed in appeals court and the Michigan Supreme Court to receive documents from January 31 from the mayor's office. Worthy finished her press conference by stated that "no man is above the law," stating that Kilpatrick is guilty of perjury and other crimes which are named in the 12 count indictment.