Kilpatrick Released From Jail, Quoting Nelson Mandela

DETROIT (WWJ) - Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has been released after spending the weekend in lockup for violating parole in a 2008 conviction that booted him from office.

Kilpatrick left a Michigan Corrections Department facility in Detroit early Monday so he could take his seat at the federal courthouse for another week of testimony in his public corruption trial.

Michigan Department of Corrections spokesman Russ Marlan said Kilpatrick spent Friday night through Sunday in isolation. He had no visitors and no problems were reported.

On his Facebook page, Monday morning, Kilpatrick quoted South African activist and former president, Nelson Mandela, "I have walked that long road to freedom. I have tried not to falter; I have made missteps along the way. But I have discovered the secret that after climbing a great hill, one only finds that there are many more hills to climb. I have taken a moment here to rest ... But I can rest only for a moment for with freedom come responsibilities, and I dare not linger, for my long walk is not yet ended."

The ex-Mayor also wrote, "Much love and thanx dear family! Your words of encouragement and prayers availeth much."

So, how did Kilpatrick spend his time behind bars? WWJ Newsradio 950 spoke with his attorney, Todd Flood.

"He was focused on working on his material and discovery, focused on key witnesses that were coming in. He was positive; he wanted to get this weekend over and get in with this trial," Flood said.

Flood questions the timing of everything.

"Is there such a rush to do this in the midst of a federal trial? He's not going anywhere; he's on federal bond. There's no need to make this issue out now," said Flood. "And I gotta believe the government, the judge, obviously the defense attorneys ... are upset from this standpoint: that this [Kilpatrick's parole issues] potentially screws up the case."

The Michigan Corrections Department says Kilpatrick violated parole by not disclosing all financial transactions last fall. He still owes Detroit $855,000 in restitution and must report details about his income and expenses.

The Michigan Corrections Department says Kilpatrick violated parole by not disclosing all financial transactions last fall, including a cash gift from a Chicago pastor.  Kilpatrick still owes Detroit $855,000 in restitution and must report details about his income and expenses.

Kilpatrick remains on a tether under house arrest in Detroit, unable to visit his wife and three sons who now live in Texas.

Tax returns were expected to be the focus of Monday's testimony in the federal corruption trial, in which Kilpatrick, his father, and a former friend are charged with fraud, bribery, tax crimes and racketeering conspiracy.