Lawyer: Kilpatrick can't pay restitution

DETROIT, March 28 (UPI) -- A lawyer notified a Michigan judge this week that former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick can pay only $6 monthly restitution, not $6,000.

The lawyer, Michael Alan Schwartz, who just joined the ex-mayor's legal team, told the Detroit Free Press he may also try to have Judge David Groner taken off the case. He said Groner has a conflict because his brother-in-law is chief assistant to Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy.

Kilpatrick was allowed to move to Texas after his release from jail and is working there as a salesman for a subsidiary of a Michigan company, Compuware.

In his court filing, Schwartz said Compuware pays Kilpatrick $10,000 a month. He detailed monthly expenses of $9,994, including $2,700 in rent and $900 for lease of a Cadillac Escalade.

"I don't think he was ordered to live a more modest lifestyle," Schwartz said. "Is it better Mr. Kilpatrick drives a beat-up Yugo?"

When he pleaded guilty to perjury, Kilpatrick agreed to pay the city $1 million in restitution. He admitted lying in a deposition about his romantic relationship with his chief of staff and their role in the firing of top police officers.