Detroit mayor says he won't resign

DETROIT, March 24 (UPI) -- Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick said Monday he won't resign despite facing a dozen criminal charges for alleged misconduct in a police whistle-blower's trial.

"I will remain focused" on key issues, including presenting budget and economic stimulus plans to the Detroit City Council, modernizing the police department and workforce development plans, he said during a news conference responding to the charges filed against him.

Wayne County Prosecutor Kym Worthy outlined charges against Kilpatrick and former Chief of Staff Christine Beatty. The charges -- including perjury, obstruction of justice, misconduct in office and conspiracy -- arise from text messages indicating the pair lied during last year's police whistle-blower trial when they denied having an extramarital affair.

Kilpatrick and his attorney, Dan Webb, expressed confidence the mayor will be exonerated at trial.

"After a jury has heard the actual evidence in the courtroom," Webb said, "the mayor will be found not guilty and be exonerated of each and every one of the charges."

Webb, a former Chicago U.S. attorney, said he advised Kilpatrick against resigning because "this man is entitled to his day in court. That day should not be taken away from him" by calls for his resignation before the trial begins.

Beatty resigned in January.