Detroit judge to be on mayor's case

DETROIT, April 24 (UPI) -- A local judge will hear the criminal case against Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and his former chief of staff, the Wayne County, Mich., chief judge has ruled.

Chief Judge Marylin Atkins said Thursday she found no reason to remove Judge Ronald Giles, who is assigned to the case, the Detroit Free Press reported.

Wayne County District Attorney Kym Worthy asked to have a judge brought in from outside. She said judges in Detroit have close ties to Kilpatrick, including Giles, who has been a political contributor.

Defense lawyers accused the prosecutor of trying to get a white judge.

"They are trying to rig and hijack the case," said Dan Webb.

Kilpatrick and Christine Beatty are charged with lying under oath about having an affair and about their role in police firings. The charges include perjury, obstruction of justice, misconduct in office and conspiracy.