Fundraiser describes payoffs to ex-Detroit mayor

Emma Bell at times struggled as she explained her dealings with Kilpatrick. Four years after he left office, he is on trial for tax crimes, conspiracy, fraud, extortion and bribery in a sweeping indictment of his nearly two terms at city hall.

Bell was paid more than $900,000 while raising money for Kilpatrick's campaign fund and a separate nonprofit fund, from 2003 to 2008. In turn, she said she turned over more than $200,000 to him for his own use, typically in amounts of less than $10,000.

Bell told jurors that she would meet privately with Kilpatrick and produce money hidden in her bra.

"I don't want to get indelicate here," defense attorney James Thomas said on cross-examination. "But are you telling the jury you took the money out of your bra in that closed room and gave it to him?"

Bell replied: "I would take money out of my bra in front of my son, sir."

On Wednesday, a day ahead of Bell's testimony, jurors learned about her warts, including a gambling habit and tax evasion. Bell pleaded guilty a year ago and agreed to testify against Kilpatrick.