Judge Rules in Favor of Detroit Papers

By: Documents related to a whistle-blower lawsuit that led to a text-messaging sex scandal involving the mayor must be turned over to the Detroit Free Press and The Detroit News, a judge ruled Tuesday.

Wayne County Circuit Court Judge Robert Colombo Jr. said the city has three days to appeal his decision.

The newspapers are suing Detroit to determine if there was a secret settlement in the whistle-blower lawsuit, in which a jury ruled against the city. The case eventually cost the city more than $8.5 million.

The whistle-blower lawsuit was filed by two police officers who alleged they were fired for investigating claims that Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick used his security unit to cover up extramarital affairs.

During testimony in the civil trial, Kilpatrick and his chief of staff, Christine Beatty, denied having an affair during 2002-03 and conspiring to have one of the officers fired.

However, the Free Press two weeks ago published sexually explicit text messages between the pair in 2002 and 2003 that appear to contradict what they said on the stand.

Kilpatrick wrote Beatty in 2002: "I?ve been dreaming all day about having you all to myself for 3 days. Relaxing, laughing, talking, sleeping and making love."

Beatty announced her resignation Jan. 28. Two days later, Kilpatrick made a televised speech apologizing to family and constituents but avoiding direct mention of the allegations. His wife, Carlita, sat by his side.