Watch CBS News

Supporters Hope President Obama Will Pardon Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick

DETROIT (WWJ) -- Kwame Kilpatrick, who was convicted for racketeering conspiracy and other crimes, was sentenced to 28 years in prison in 2013

Now, Kilpatrick's brother-in-law, Daniel Ferguson tells WWJ Newsradio 950 that there is a growing movement to get the former Detroit Mayor set free.

"There are people who contact me that want to do a letter-writing campaign to President Obama to get a pardon," Ferguson told WWJ City Beat reporter Vickie Thomas. "In the whole scheme of things I just want justice. He didn't get a fair trial."

As far as whether the President will actually pardon Kilpatrick, Ferguson said he isn't sure if the decision will be made, but remains optimistic.

"To be brutally honest, I hope so. But do I think so...?" Ferguson said, trailing off.

Kilpatrick's attorney is currently seeking an appeal of the jury's decision, citing a conflict involving Kilpatrick's attorneys and other reasons.

A film chronicling the rise and fall of the former Mayer, KMK: A Documentary of Kwame Kilpatrick, premieres at 7 p.m. on Friday at the Charles H. Wright Museum.

View CBS News In
CBS News App Open
Chrome Safari Continue
Be the first to know
Get browser notifications for breaking news, live events, and exclusive reporting.