Judge says Kilpatrick must keep defense lawyer

DETROIT (AP) -- A federal judge has ruled that former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick must keep his defense lawyer for his corruption trial. U.S. District Judge Nancy Edmunds made the ruling during a hearing Tuesday. Edmunds last week disclosed that Kilpatrick had raised concerns about a possible conflict of interest involving longtime lawyer James Thomas. She ruled, however, that Kilpatrick waited too long to raise the issue. Kilpatrick says an issue was that Thomas once represented a towing contractor who claims he had to pay money to the mayor's political campaign. And The Detroit News reports Kilpatrick says they've gotten into shouting matches. Thomas also asked to be off the case. Kilpatrick and his father, Bernard Kilpatrick, are charged with tax crimes and widespread fraud. Opening statements are scheduled for next month. Published: Thu, Aug 16, 2012