Prosecutors: Businessmen aided Kilpatrick

DETROIT, Oct. 30 (UPI) -- Prosecutors allege disgraced former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and his family have received previously undisclosed financial help from top city businessmen.

Prosecutors alleged in Wayne County Circuit Court Thursday that Kilpatrick and his family received loans and other money from top Detroit businessmen such as Ambassador Bridge owner Manuel Moroun and Compuware Chief Executive Officer Peter Karmanos, the Detroit Free Press reported.

Kilpatrick's family received a total of $50,000 in cash from Moroun, prosecutors alleged. The former mayor was serving time in jail at the time, having pleaded guilty to two felony counts of obstruction of justice.

Prosecutors alleged in February that Kilpatrick, 39, also received a $240,000 loan from Karmanos, racing magnate Roger Penske, chemical magnate Jim Nicholson and Rock Financial founder Dan Gilbert.

The allegations are part of the prosecution's attempt to prove the former Detroit politician was not truthful about his ability to pay $1 million in restitution to the city. If the dishonesty is proven, it would represent a violation of Kilpatrick's probation.

The hearing is to resume Nov. 17.