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Kilpatrick commutation confusion came because 'The White House acted on its own'

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Posted at 5:06 PM, Jan 21, 2021
and last updated 2021-01-21 17:22:19-05

(WXYZ) — We have now learned more about the terms of former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick’s supervised release from prison and there is confusion over how many millions he owes in restitution to the government.

The order signed by then-President Trump states that Kilpatrick is still on the hook for $4.7 million dollars.

But a Judgement signed by Detroit Federal Judge Nancy Edmunds puts the figure at $1.7 million. That document has written on it “amended to reflect the correct restitution amount."

It was signed by Judge Edmunds in 2017, which is 4 years into Kilpatrick’s 28-year sentence. Trump’s order wipes out 21 years in prison.

U.S. Attorney Matthew Schneider tells 7 Action News, “The White House acted on its own without consulting with the Justice Department.”

Pictures and videos on social media show the former mayor hugging and posing with a smile with his father Bernard Kilpatrick.

Schneider says, “Let’s hope for the best with him reuniting with his family. Let’s hope he creates a goof family bond and turns that into the best thing possible.”

Kilpatrick is on supervised release for three years. He must set up a payment scheduled to be approved by the judge.

Other standard conditions include no travel without permission by his probation officer, he must submit monthly reports about employment and where he’s living. Also no excessive use of alcohol or drugs, no guns, no associating with convicted felons and he can’t become a special agent working with law enforcement without permission.

“He’s never accepted responsibility. He’s never really apologized for what he’s done. I would like an apology. That would be helpful. It’s not a legal requirement. He doesn’t have to do that,” Schneider added.

There are other civil lawsuit judgments against the former that have him on the hook for $7 million more.

Everybody is watching to see where he lands and where he gets a job.

Kilpatrick JC by WXYZ-TV Channel 7 Detroit on Scribd