Ex-Detroit mayor seeking job in Texas

DETROIT, Jan. 29 (UPI) -- Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has a job interview in Texas immediately after his release from jail next week, his lawyers say.

A judge granted Kilpatrick permission to spend five days in Texas once he is freed Tuesday, the Detroit Free Press reported. His lawyers asked for a hearing Wednesday to make the request.

The lawyers refused to say where Kilpatrick is going for the interview. His lawyers also said he plans to spend time with family members in Texas.

Kilpatrick, after his legal troubles began, visited T.D. Jakes, head of a Dallas mega church.

Jim Thomas, one of the lawyers, said that publicity could affect Kilpatrick's chance of getting a job.

"It's sort of like taking a look at the nucleus of the atom; they say it affects the conduct," Thomas said.

Wayne County Circuit Judge David Groner said his main interest is the $1 million in restitution Kilpatrick must pay. Kilpatrick has so far paid $27,500.

Kilpatrick pleaded guilty to lying on a deposition about his relationship with his former chief of staff and their role in police firings. He is also the target of a federal investigation.