Appeals Court Upholds Kilpatrick Book Ruling

DETROIT (WWJ) - It's another blow to Kwame Kilpatrick's battle to keep proceeds from his new book.

Wayne County Circuit Court Judge David Groner, in June, ruled that the former Detroit Mayor must surrender the book profits to pay toward the restitution he owes to the city of Detroit.

Tuesday, the Court of Appeals denied Kilpatrick's claim that the ruling violates his right to free speech.

WWJ and Fox 2 Legal Analyst Charlie Langton wasn't surprised.

"He's arguing that there is a limitation on his free speech rights, and essentially that that's what prompted Judge Groner to say all proceeds from the book should go to the city," said Langton.

"However, the court basically said, and the judge said it too, is that Kwame Kilpatrick can write all the books he wants. He can talk about whatever he wants to talk about, but, if you make money, you've gotta pay off the restitution," Langton said.

After the remaining restitution is paid, book profits will go to cover Kilpatrick's prison stay.

The ex-mayor's memoir entitled, "Surrendered; The Rise, Fall & Revelation of Kwame Kilpatrick", offers his point of view on a number of topics, including the scandal that led to his fall from power.

Kilpatrick wrote the book while in prison on a probation violation.  He released on parole on Aug. 2 and is now with his family in Texas.