Derrick Miller chapter closes in Kilpatrick corruption trial - Philadelphia News, Weather and Sports from WTXF FOX 29

Derrick Miller chapter closes in Kilpatrick corruption trial

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DETROIT (WJBK) -

Those of us expecting Derrick Miller to be carved up like Thanksgiving dinner went home hungry.  As for Miller, his attorney said he's just glad to finally be going home.

"I think he held up well," said Byron Pitts.  "He was here and subject to vigorous cross-examination.  He kept his composure, answered the questions to the best of his ability, which is what he was sworn to do."

Defense attorneys spent two days cross-examining Miller casting him as a greedy turncoat who betrayed the mayor who once called him friend.

Defense attorney Gerald Evelyn used Miller to show that Bobby Ferguson wasn't the only contractor getting city deals.  Miller acknowledged that Ferguson even finished one job under budget by more than $300,000.

Evelyn also reminded jurors that Miller tried to get a piece of city real estate deals himself, including a plan involving a building across the street from the courthouse.

Fox 2 legal analyst Charlie Langton watched all five days of Miller's testimony.  He praised Evelyn's questioning of Miller, but said prosecutors still may have come out ahead.

"If you believe Derrick Miller, he helps the government."

Kilpatrick attorney Jim Thomas took one last shot at Miller, questioning his claim that he was a man of faith by pointing out that he didn't like to go to church.  Miller replied that he is not a Christian.

"He's glad it's over with.  This was not a pleasurable experience," Pitts said.  "As I indicated, he wanted to put this behind him and move on with his life, and he's taken one step in that direction."

Prosecutors ended the day with a text message exchange showing Ferguson's influence with the mayor.

FERGUSON: If Gary Torgow calls about meah not calling him back, it's because of him not paying [Ferguson Enterprises] for their parking garage.

KILPATRICK: Cool.  How much does he owe?

They later talked about another deal.

FERGUSON: It's his team.  They're disputing $57,000 for work we performed on Mack and Woodward.  Typical white folk [expletive].  When we talk, I'll tell what Walbridge's people are trying.  Ain't [expletive] change.  I'm just a [expletive], with some power though.  LOL.

KILPATRICK: True.

Prosecutors will introduce more text messages on Tuesday, and with Miller gone, there's just one more big chapter coming up -- Synagro.  Prosecutors have more text messages on that and undercover video.

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