State - Former Kilpatrick ally faces November U.S. trial

DETROIT (AP) -- A federal judge has set a Nov. 9 trial date for a Detroit businessman and ally of convicted ex-Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick on fraud charges involving millions of dollars of municipal contracts. Charges against 41-year-old Bobby Ferguson include conspiracy to commit fraud and launder money. The Detroit Free Press says U.S. District Judge David Lawson gave lawyers until Oct. 26 to reach a plea deal. Ferguson remains free on bond. Defense lawyer Gerald Evelyn tells The Detroit News he's prepared to fight the charges and says prosecutors are bringing up matters unrelated to the indictment. Prosecutors say Ferguson's demolition company got $11.7 million in contracts through illicit means. Three other people also face charges. Published: Thu, Sep 23, 2010