DETROIT (WWJ) -- It's been quite some time since Kwame Kilpatrick posted on Facebook ... but he's back.
The 51-year-old former Detroit mayor turned Christian preacher reappeared on his social media page Monday morning with the message: "Free Indeed!" along with a fresh profile pic in which he sports a neatly trimmed salt-and-pepper beard and a crisp white button-down shirt.
In a literal sense, Kilpatrick has been free for nearly a year since his release from a federal prison in Louisiana on Jan. 20, 2021 — 16 years earlier than expected.
In just a few hours, his first new Facebook post had garnered 1.6k "loves" and "likes," along with hundreds of supportive comments including: "So glad to have you back with us," "Looking good, Sir!" and "GOD still has more miracle with your name on them. Stay blessed!"
To his fans, Kilpatrick replied: "Truly appreciate y'all. They just unlocked this account. Gotta freshen it up. lol."
On President Donald Trump's final day in office he commuted Kilpatrick's sentence; much to the surprise of many in Detroit, and to the dismay of those who feel the former mayor did a great deal of damage to the city.
Since his release, Kilpatrick has left politics behind to preach. In sermons delivered at the Historic Little Rock Baptist Church in Detroit, he touted being "born again," asked for prayers, and spoke of redemption. Last summer, the ex-mayor got married at the church to 40-year-old Laticia McGee, whom he met when she worked as a receptionist in the mayor's office.
Also appearing on Facebook on Monday was a sharp looking graphic for "Kwame Kilpatrick - Movemental Ministries." Speaking to Deadline Detroit over the weekend, Kilpatrick explained he'll be launching his latest venture on Jan. 20 from Georgia. It will include Saturday services, Bible studies and workshops open to all... including Detroiters. "It's a virtual ministry," Kilpatrick told Deadline, "so we'll be everywhere."
First elected mayor in 2001, Kilpatrick resigned in 2008 after pleading guilty to perjury in a sex and text messaging case involving his then chief of staff. In October of 2013, he was ordered to spend 28 years behind bars for convictions on 24 counts, including racketeering, extortion and bribery, for fixing city business to enrich himself and his friends.
Prior to his time as mayor, Kilpatrick served as a Michigan state representative from 1997 to 2002.
While some wonder about his potential future in politics, it's important to note that, under Michigan law, Kilpatrick as a felon will not be able to run for office in Michigan until 2033.
Meanwhile, he still owes more than $4.7 million in restitution to Detroiters.
Related
