Kwame Kilpatrick doesn't want jurors to know details of his prison time, law school grades

Legal team files request in federal court asking that potential 'prejudicial evidence' be excluded from September trial

DETROIT – Kwame Kilpatrick's legal team has filed a request in federal court asking that things such as his college and law school grades not be brought up during his September trial on corruption charges.

The filing aims at preventing the possible introduction of "prejudicial evidence."

"Counsel respectfully requests that this Honorable Court prohibit the introduction of any evidence that tends to show that Mr. Kilpatrick was incarcerated, imprisoned or in any way discipline prior to his election to testify in this matter," the motion reads.

READ: Kwame Kilpatrick corruption trial evidence filing

Kilpatrick's attorneys want a hearing before any evidence relating to his time in prison is shown in court.

"Furthermore, counsel requests that this court make a determination that his conduct in college or in law school is irrelevant and inadmissible," the motion reads.

The federal indictment against the former Detroit mayor describes a brazen pay-to-play scheme in which the Kilpatrick took kickbacks and bribes to steer city business to certain contractors.

The case also involves Kilpatrick's father, Bernard Kilpatrick, his friend, contractor Bobby Ferguson, and the city's former water department director, Victor Mercado.

All have pleaded not guilty.

Kilpatrick pleaded guilty to obstruction of justice and resigned from office in 2008 after he lied at a civil trial to cover up an extramarital affair with his chief of staff, which was exposed through a series of graphic text messages. That lawsuit cost Detroit $8.4 million.

Kilpatrick was imprisoned in May 2010 for failing to disclose assets and surrender sufficient funds that could have reduced his $1 million restitution to Detroit. He was released Aug. 2, 2011, and has moved to Texas with his wife and three sons.