UPDATE — Late development in the Kilpatrick case reported this afternoon by contributor Minehaha Forman: Christine Beatty, former chief of staff to Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, was ordered to wear an electronic tether Friday after making plans to leave the state without notifying court officials, as it was required by her bond, according to the Wayne County prosecutor’s office.
Chief Magistrate Steve Lockhart called a hurried hearing in 36th District Court, where he made the ruling, the prosecutor’s office said in a statement. The new ruling will prohibit Beatty from leaving the state.
The entire hearing was closed to the public, causing an upset among local news media. The 36th District Court Chief Judge Marylin Atkins said she instructed Lockhart afterwards not to lock the public out of future hearings.
Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is charged with eight felony counts, including perjury and conspiracy, in connection with a police whistleblower lawsuit. In the last few days, the mayor’s legal team has been busy, as have those trying to steer the city through the crisis. Here’s a look at key recent developments: