Prosecutors plan narrow trial against Ferguson

DETROIT (AP) -- Federal prosecutors want to streamline a criminal trial involving a pal of former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick. They told a judge Tuesday that they plan to drop all charges against contractor Bobby Ferguson except firearm charges. Ferguson already is serving a 21-year prison sentence for corruption committed while Kilpatrick was in office. Ferguson is scheduled for trial on Feb. 11 in a bid-rigging case involving allegations of fraud and illegal dumping at a housing project. His first trial in 2012 ended without a unanimous verdict. Assistant U.S. Attorney Bruce Judge says dismissing some charges would save time for all parties, especially jurors. Co-defendant Michael Woodhouse last week pleaded guilty to conspiracy. Published: Thu, Feb 6, 2014