Kwame Kilpatrick's Cousin Gets Probation In Theft

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - A cousin of ex-Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has been sentenced to five years of probation in her racketeering and embezzlement case.

Nneka Cheeks pleaded guilty in September in the theft of nearly $20,000 from a mayoral mansion restoration bank account.

The 40-year-old was sentenced Tuesday in Wayne County Circuit Court. She also was ordered to repay the money.

Cheeks was Kilpatrick's liaison to the Manoogian Mansion Restoration Society Fund starting in 2007.

Investigators said Cheeks used her position to access the fund to pay $3,600 toward her wedding reception at the Roostertail, $2,619 to the Jewelry Factory for a 1.25 carat loose diamond and her husband' wedding band, $3,943 to pay off debt for an unnamed relative,  $1,140 to 'Brides Made Fit' for personal training, $450 to Allure Medical Spa for mesotherapy cosmetic injections, $4,025 in cash withdrawals, and $1,300 to Michigan Veterinary Specialists for care of her dog, "Trouble."

Kilpatrick resigned as mayor in 2008 as part of a plea in a criminal case.

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