Former Kilpatrick Aide Rejects Deal, Heads to Trial DEARBORN, MICH. (Michigan Radio) - Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick's former chief of staff rejected a plea offer from the Wayne County prosecutor.

That means Christine Beatty will head to trial on charges related to the text message scandal that forced her former boss out of office.

Beatty faces seven felony counts - including perjury and obstruction of justice. The plea deal she rejected called for a five-month jail sentence, wearing a tether for seven months, five years' probation, and paying $125,000 in restitution.

Mayer Morganroth is Beatty's attorney. He called the offer "unreasonable," and said his client is prepared for trial - where he expects "acquittal. Don't be amazed if that happens, OK?"

A scheduling conference is set for Friday - the same day Mayor Kilpatrick is officially out of office. He accepted a plea deal earlier this month that will send him to jail for four months.

Contact Sarah Hulett at sarahhu@umich.edu © Copyright 2009, Michigan Radio