Fundraiser for Kilpatrick admits to tax crimes

DETROIT (AP) -- A woman who was a fundraiser for former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has pleaded guilty to tax evasion and agreed to testify against her old client. Over a five-year period, the government says Emma Bell received more than $900,000 from groups affiliated with Kilpatrick, including his campaign committee, but didn't report it as income. Bell says she regularly shared commission checks with Kilpatrick. In court Monday, Bell pleaded guilty to tax evasion and says her actions were "just stupid." She faces up to 18 months in prison and owes $334,000 to the Internal Revenue Service. Her sentence could be reduced depending on her cooperation. Kilpatrick faces trial next year on fraud and tax charges. U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade says Bell's guilty plea is "one more step" in the corruption probe. Published: Wed, Oct 5, 2011