MichiganRadio

Detroit Political Corruption Cases Move Forward DETROIT, MI (Michigan Radio) - Two central figures in the FBI's ongoing investigation into Detroit government corruption made appearances at the city's Federal courthouse on Monday.

Federal prosecutors began laying out their case against Detroit political consultant Sam Riddle. They say Riddle worked with former Detroit City Councilwoman Monica Conyers to extort money from potential investors and city contractors.

Conyers pleaded guilty last year, but Riddle has maintained his innocence.

DeDan Milton, a friend and former aide to disgraced ex-Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick, was also arraigned at the Federal courthouse. Milton was indicted last week on bribery and extortion charges.

Milton's lawyer Otis Culpepper says his client hasn't agreed to cooperate with prosecutors, but also hasn't ruled it out. "These talks are ongoing, and we'll make those decisions in time," Culpepper told reporters after Milton's arraignment.

Milton is charged with taking bribes to the facilitate the sale of former city-owned land in Livingston County in 2007.
© Copyright 2012, Michigan Radio