Two Detroit whistle-blower suits settled

DETROIT, Oct. 24 (UPI) -- The Detroit City Council voted to settle a pair of whistle-blower lawsuits against Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick for $8.4 million.

The Detroit News reported Wednesday that with a 8-1 vote, City Council members agreed to finally end the two lawsuits that had been plaguing the current administration for years.

Former Deputy Chief Gary Brown and ex-bodyguard Harold Nelthrope would receive the bulk of the settlement, $8 million, after winning their court battle last month and being awarded $6.5 million with interest.

Brown was fired from his position in 2003 after complaining to the internal affairs division about Kilpatrick's alleged misbehavior.

Brown, who had detailed an alleged wild party at the Manoogian Mansion in his complaint, said he was very pleased that his case would soon be over.

"I am ecstatic this chapter of my life is coming to a close," he told the News. "I did everything I could, other than beg the city to settle the case early."

The remaining $400,000 would go to former Detroit Police Officer Walter Harris, who had sued Kilpatrick for allegedly being harassed for knowing about the mayor's alleged extramarital affairs.