Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick could be headed back to prison next month, after a judge says he's been hiding assets that may have been used to pay the $1 million he owes his former city.

According to the Associated Press:

Kilpatrick pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice in 2008, after sexually explicit text messages became public, showing he had lied under oath about an affair with a staff member in a whistle-blowers' lawsuit. The 39-year-old resigned, served 99 days in jail, agreed to give up his law license, repay the city $1 million, and stay out of politics for five years.

Prosecutors claim Kilpatrick hasn't paid enough toward the $1 million he owes Detroit. He has been making monthly payments of $3,000 while living in the Dallas area and working as a salesman for information-technology company Covisint. But prosecutors learned Kilpatrick and his wife have had other money, including $240,000 in loans, live in a rented mansion and drive fancy SUVs. "I think these entire proceedings have made it clear the defendant has no desire to pay," said Assistant Prosecutor Athina Siringas.

By failing to disclose more than $23,000 in tax returns, tapping in to a political fund to the tune of $36,000 and failing to disclose the $240,000 in loans, Kilpatrick violated the terms of his probation. The judge has already ordered Kilpatrick to pay $320,000 in accelerated payment. Friends and family have paid $40,000 on his behalf. The judge in the case is not amused, telling Kilpatrick it would be appropriate to have his affairs in order before sentencing.




Kilpatrick's attorney has made the argument that jailing him will only slow the speed at which he can make restitution to the city of Detroit.

"What's important? Punishing the guy or getting money for the city?" defense lawyer Michael Alan Schwartz told The Associated Press. "He's already lost his position as mayor. He's lost his license to practice law. ... Is additional punishment going to achieve any positive good? The answer is no."

Meanwhile, suffering through this are Kilpatrick's wife and children. His wife recently moved to have her finances and assets separated from his. Maybe the proceedings will help Kilpatrick comply with the terms of his probation. Having money and living at a certain lifestyle are not more important than freedom.

Kilpatrick's alleged decision to settle a $8.4-million lawsuit to prevent information about his sexual indiscretions and affairs from being made public was a misuse of money for a city that is struggling to stay viable. There are many people struggling in Detroit, while Kilpatrick lives in an upscale suburb. The taxpayers of Detroit should receive all monies they are owed in a prompt fashion.

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To make matters worse, Kilpatrick's team is soliciting money from the public to pay his restitution and legal bills.

"For those who would like to support [Kilpatrick], we will open that avenue," Mike Paul, his New York-based spokesman, told the Detroit News.

The Detroit News writes:

But a question remains: Would anyone, after all the scandal and drama, after tales of luxurious living and claims of poverty, pull out their checkbook for Kilpatrick, the man whose actions cost taxpayers $8.4 million in an attempt to hide his salacious text messages and crude behavior? "In all honesty, yes there are," said Eric Foster, a local political consultant and pollster. "As frustrating as it may seem, there are people willing to do that."