Kym Worthy
Prosecutor, Wayne County
Kym Worthy is the prosecutor for Wayne County, the first African-American and the first female to hold the position. She previously served as a special assignment prosecutor for Wayne County, focusing on high-profile homicide cases. She was also previously elected to the Wayne County Circuit Court and presided over hundreds of felony cases.
In 2008, Worthy charged and successfully prosecuted Detroit’s ex-mayor, Kwame Kilpatrick, and his former chief of staff, Christine Beatty. The case garnered national and international press coverage. As a result of her courage and integrity during the proceedings, she was recognized by numerous professional organizations and was named a “Woman of Excellence” by the Michigan Chronicle.
Worthy is a persistent advocate for witness protection. As county prosecutor, she also created the first Elder Abuse Unit in the history of the office. Additionally, she implemented a “Change the Culture” initiative that focuses on educational training and community policing in an effort to reduce gun violence. She is an is adjunct professor of criminal law at the University of Detroit Mercy.