Former Detroit Mayor Kwame Kilpatrick has returned to his hometown for his first court appearance since being indicted last month on tax and fraud charges.

Kilpatrick was arraigned Tuesday afternoon and a not guilty plea was entered at the request of his lawyer. Wearing orange jail clothes, Kilpatrick indicated that he can't can afford a lawyer and one will be appointed for him.

The judge could keep James Thomas on the job at the public's expense.

Kilpatrick is charged with tapping his charity the Civic Fund for cash and personal luxuries while he was mayor and not reporting it on his tax returns.

He has been serving time at a state prison for violating probation in a different criminal case. He will remain in federal custody while he awaits trial.