Politics & Government

Charlotte Mayor Arrested, Facing Corruption Charges

by Keri Brown

Charlotte Mayor Patrick Cannon who has been in office 114 days, was arrested by FBI agents Wednesday. He faces several charges including theft and bribery. Authorities say the arrest follows an undercover investigation that began in August 2010. City of Charlotte

The mayor of North Carolina's largest city has been arrested on public corruption charges.  

U.S. Attorney Anne Tompkins said today that Charlotte Mayor Patrick Cannon is facing theft and bribery charges.  Tompkins says Cannon solicited and accepted bribes from undercover FBI agents posing as real estate developers who wanted to do business in Charlotte.

A criminal complaint says Cannon is accused of soliciting and accepting more than $48,000 in cash, airline tickets, a hotel room and the use of a luxury apartment as bribes. If convicted on all the charges, he faces 20 years in prison and more than $1 million in fines.  

--Link to Complaint Filed Against Charlotte Mayor--

Governor Pat McCrory stated he was both saddened and angered because he had known the mayor for years.  The Governor added “This alleged behavior is inexcusable and cannot be tolerated.” 

The 47-year-old Cannon was elected mayor in November, replacing Anthony Foxx. Foxx was named Transportation Secretary by President Barack Obama.

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