Judge: Detroit mayor can stay one more day

DETROIT, Sept. 17 (UPI) -- Outgoing Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick doesn't have to leave his post one day earlier than planned, a Michigan judge ruled Wednesday.

Chief Wayne County Circuit Judge William Giovan said Kilpatrick, who is set to leave office Thursday after pleading guilty to felony political corruption charges, didn't have to vacate the office one day earlier as sought by a Detroit resident in a lawsuit, The Detroit Free Press reported.

Giovan ruled against M.E. Burks, who contended that Michigan law mandates an "elected office become vacant" when the official is convicted of "an infamous crime," saying Kilpatrick's two felonies met that standard.

The judge said forcing Kilpatrick to leave office Wednesday instead of Thursday would have no practical effect, the newspaper reported.

Kilpatrick pleaded guilty to two obstruction of justice charges and has drawn a four-month jail sentence.