Fundraiser For Ex-Detroit Mayor Admits Tax Crimes

DETROIT (WWJ/AP) - A woman who was a major fundraiser for former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has pleaded guilty to tax evasion and has reportedly agreed to testify against her former client.

Over a five-year period, the government said Emma Bell received more than $900,000 from groups affiliated with Kilpatrick's campaign committee,  inauguration committee, and non-profit Civic Fund, but didn't report it as income. Bell said she regularly shared commission checks with Kilpatrick.

In court Monday, Bell pleaded guilty to two counts of tax evasion. She apologized to the court, saying her actions were "just stupid."

"In hindsight, I know it was a very dumb idea. It's something that should not have happened, but I'm just so glad it's overwith," Bell said, adding that she hopes other can learn from her experience.

Bell now owes $334,000 to the Internal Revenue Service and faces up to 24 months in prison, although prosecutors have recommended no more than nine months.

In addition to the tax evasion plea, Bell has reportedly agreed to testify against Kilpatrick in the former Mayor's upcoming federal trial in which he faces fraud and tax charges.

Speaking to WWJ Newsradio 950's Pat Sweeting outside the courthouse on Monday, Bell's attorney Avery Bradley said his client has been cooperating during the year long federal investigation into this case. However, Bradley would not confirm if Bell would testify at the trial, set to begin next year.

"That's yet to be determined ... There's been some discussions, but we don't know," Bradley said.

U.S. Attorney Barbara McQuade said Bell's guilty plea is "one more step" in the corruption probe. Last month, former Kilpatrick aide Derrek Miller also made a plea deal with prosecutors, agreeing to testify against Kilpatrick in exchange for a reduced sentence.

The Associated Press contributed to this report.