DETROIT, MICHIGAN — A lawyer for the city spent this morning tearing apart an ex-cop’s claim that he feared for his life because he had reported on misdeeds of Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick’s bodyguards.
Wilson Copeland, an attorney for the city, questioned former Detective Harold Nelthrope about his previous comments equating his experience to that of legendary cop Frank Serpico, who reported on corruption in the New York Police Department in the late 1960s.
Nelthrope has said he came forward because he suspected overtime abuse, crimes being committed by police security, drunken crashes and immoral behavior. He also reported rumors of an alleged party involving strippers at the Manoogian Mansion, where the mayor and his family live. He and another former officer are suing the mayor and city under the Whistleblowers Protection Act.
“You were placing yourself in the same picture and level of risk as Frank Serpico?,” Copeland asked. “We are talking about two car accidents and overtime fraud.”
Nelthrope, a former bodyguard for the mayor, said both he and Serpico were reporting on officers’ misdeeds. And that yes, he feared for his life because of it.
He broke down in tears, head in his hands, as he talked about leaving the department.
“I knew there was no way I could go back to the police department,” said Nelthrope, who added he was worried he’d be killed in retaliation while on a phony police call. “I wasn’t going to take that chance.
“I am not leaving this earth like that.”
Copeland also questioned Nelthrope about his drinking problem and psychological state while on the force, bringing up several incidents when Nelthrope sought psychiatric help.
“When I went to work, I did my job very well,” Nelthrope said. “I didn’t go to work drunk
“Everyone has their problems, but I was professional.”
Nelthrope and former Deputy Chief Gary Brown are seeking several millions dollar in damages from the mayor and the city. Among last week’s testimony were reports that the mayor’s bodyguards stood watch while Kilpatrick met privately with women. He has denied having affairs.
Testimony ended at 10 a.m. today. Kilpatrick’s chief of staff, Christine Beatty, is expected to testify tomorrow and Kilpatrick is expected to testify Wednesday.
