Experts say venue change unlikely in Kilpatrick corruption case

DETROIT, Mich (wxyz) - Channel 7 legal analyst Tom Cranmer says a change of venue is unlikely in the federal Kilpatrick corruption case.

Former Detroit mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, his father Bernard Kilpatrick, former city contractor Bobby Ferguson, and ex-Water department director Victor Mercado are all charged with racketeering and conspiracy, accused of running a criminal enterprise out of city hall.

Cranmer says a change of venue is rarely granted, because it is expensive and disruptive to the system.

On Thursday, defense lawyers will argue that their clients can't get a fair trial in Detroit because of all the publicity surrounding the case. Cranmer says the defense may be asking for the change as a back-up in case they want to appeal in the end.

There are 12 jurors, plus 6 alternates.  Of the 12, nine are women, and three are men.  Five of them are African American, and one young woman is Hispanic.

 Cranmer says such a diverse jury is unusual in federal court and both sides should be pleased with the selection.

Opening statements in the case are set for Friday.