Karmanos says he'd hire Kilpatrick again, but would advise to stay out of politics
By Huel Perkins and David Komer online producer
Published
DETROIT (FOX 2) - Emotions are still running high over the release of Kwame Kilpatrick from prison last week 20 years early thanks to a commutation by outgoing President Donald Trump.
Some may be surprised - but not Detroit entrepreneur Pete Karmanos. He'd been working behind the scenes for more than a year to free Kwame. He told FOX 2's Huel Perkins just hours ago that he simply wanted justice.
Pete Karmanos talks 1-on-1 about Kwame Kilpatrick’s prison release
by Charlie LeDuff I can't shake the feeling that it's 2013 all over again. Kwame Kilpatrick is free and in the headlines after a midnight-hour commutation from the outbound train wreck known as Donald J. Trump. Kilpatrick, 50, who served seven years for a racketeering and bribery scheme, never admitted guilt or apologized for bilking the people of Detroit. “This commutation is strongly supported by prominent members of the Detroit community,” said the White House in an issued statement. “Mr. Kilpatrick has taught public speaking classes and has led Bible study groups with fellow inmates.” So there's that. It should be pointed out that Donald Trump granted Kilpatrick a commutation, not a pardon, meaning Kilpatrick is still guilty of his crimes, but won't serve the remaining 20 years on his sentence.