Kilpatrick trial jury sees cash in safes

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DETROIT, Jan. 28 (UPI) -- Prosecutors in the Detroit City Hall corruption case showed jurors photographs of hidden safes full of cash and checks as they wrapped up testimony.

Former Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick is accused of extorting contractors and steering city deals to city contractor Bobby Ferguson. Ferguson allegedly received $84 million in revenue from municipal contracts, prosecutors claim.

The government said it will conclude its case against Kilpatrick, Ferguson and the mayor's father, Bernard Kilpatrick, Tuesday.

The defense phase of the trial will begin Thursday, the Detroit News reported.

Monday federal prosecutors built toward a powerful finish, showing jurors photographs of Ferguson's safes, stuffed with cash and checks, and noted Ferguson withdrew $2,551,357 from bank accounts during the time he allegedly shared proceeds of criminal activity with Kwame Kilpatrick.

The former mayor already has served a short jail sentence on reduced perjury and obstruction charges.