Monday marked the first in a series of historic days for Detroit with the charging of Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick – a move that stunned even those who expected charges. The thing is no one expected a 12 count charge to made.

Nearly two months ago an investigation began, and with each passing day the Wayne County Prosecutor’s office worked on unraveling the sex text message scandal involving Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick and his former Chief of Staff, Christine Beatty. Their conclusion as announced by Prosecutor Kym Worthy – charged Mayor on 8 counts and Christine Beatty on 7.

The mayor has been charged with 4 counts of perjury, each carrying up to 15 years in prison, 1 count conspiracy to commit obstruction of justice, 1 count of obstruction of justice – up to 5 years in prison and 2 counts of misconduct in office each carrying up to 5 years in prison.

Christine Beatty has also been charged with 4 counts of perjury, 1 count each of conspiracy, obstruction of justice and misconduct in office.

Mayor Kilpatrick faced the cameras yesterday afternoon addressing, as it turns out – the city, state and the nation. He told the world that he was disappointed in the charges, and that he looks forward to being exonerated.

A silent Christine Beatty sat with her minister and her attorney as they spoke to the media. The attorneys from both the camps don’t believe that the prosecutor’s case is a strong one.

The prosecutor’s office gave Kilpatrick and Beatty until 7am Tuesday to turn themselves in, but both turned themselves in and were booked Monday afternoon, and are expected to be arraigned in open court today at 1pm.

For and Against

The Council of Baptist Pastors is set to meet today and Mayor Kilpatrick to meet with them, pray with them, and to ask them for their support. According to news sources they are hoping their meeting will urge the mayor to resign. Reverend Kenneth Flowers said he believes people are innocent until proven guilty, but feels the mayor should do what’s necessary to help Detroit. Flowers wants spiritual leaders to step in and not just watch Detroit disintegrate into a pool of moral chaos and confusion. Other religious leaders do not share that feeling. A press conference is scheduled for 2pm today.

The group By Any Means Necessary will also be holding a rally today in front of 36th District Court, and their message is "Kilpatrick Must Go". The group said if the Mayor refuses to resign that the people of the city, every organization & public official in Detroit needs to take all the necessary steps to ensure that Kilpatrick is removed him office.