Detroit jury mulling Kilpatrick charges

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DETROIT, Feb. 19 (UPI) -- The fate of former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick was in the hands of 12 jurors Tuesday as they began deliberations on federal corruption charges against him.

Kilpatrick faces a multitude of charges that are outlined in a 22-page verdict form that is the culmination of five months of trial, the Detroit Free Press reported.

Kilpatrick, his father Bernard and city contractor Bobby Ferguson face charges that include racketeering and extortion or attempted extortion.

The Kilpatricks are also charged with not reporting income the government says they got from rigging city contracts and shaking down contractors.

Combined, the trio faces a total of 45 charges, including 30 against Kwame Kilpatrick.

Prosecutors rested their case Friday, and the court was closed Monday in observance of Presidents' Day, the Detroit News reported.

Jurors will be considering testimony from more than 80 witnesses as well as numerous text messages.

If convicted, each defendant could go to prison for up to 20 years.