Kilpatrick presents case for parole

DETROIT, May 13 (UPI) -- Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick made his case for parole Thursday but a prosecutor urged parole be denied when he is eligible to be released in July.

Kilpatrick, who is serving an 18-month prison term for violating probation in another case, met with the chairman of the Michigan Parole Board and asked that he be granted parole when he becomes eligible July 24, the Detroit Free Press reported. However, Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy, in a letter to the parole board, said Kilpatrick "simply has no remorse" and "has demonstrated that he would re-offend."

"It is clear from his statements, attitude and conduct that he has not been sufficiently rehabilitated to be released back to society," Worthy wrote.

The prosecutor said Kilpatrick had "flagrantly violated the terms of his probation" and had "steadfastly refused to accept responsibility for his criminal conduct."

In her letter, Worthy noted Kilpatrick had recently said in a deposition he would probably commit perjury if he could do everything over, the Free Press reported. She also referred to a Michigan Department of Corrections evaluation that concluded Kilpatrick has indicated "attitude problems including moral justification for his criminal behavior, refusal to accept responsibility, blaming the victim, rationalizations (excuses) that minimize the seriousness and consequences of his criminal activity."

Corrections officials said Kilpatrick -- who is awaiting trial on federal corruption charges -- may know as soon as Monday whether his request for parole will be granted.