Patrick Cannon
CHARLOTTE, N.C. — Nine weeks after his arrest, it appears former Charlotte Mayor Patrick Cannon is ready to admit he took bribes.
A Bill of Information is a document filed in lieu of an indictment that is only used in cases where a defendant has agreed to plead guilty.
Cannon is expected to plead guilty to one count of honest services wire fraud which means he admits to using his public office for illegal personal gain.
The U.S. Attorney’s Office confirmed Cannon will appear in court Tuesday at 10:30 a.m. for a plea hearing.
The city of Charlotte released the following statement, “Today we learned about the filing of the Bill of Information by the U.S. Attorney in the Patrick Cannon case. It is our hope that this filing will advance the resolution of the case at the earliest possible date. The City continues to cooperate fully with federal investigators in order to deal appropriately with any allegations of wrongdoing. Until the federal investigation is complete, it is inappropriate for City personnel to comment on any of the specifics of the case.”
Prosecutors said he took a total of $70,000 in bribes. It carries a maximum sentence of 20 years in prison and up to a $250,000 fine.
The case was a result of a four-year FBI undercover investigation into corruption allegations.
Agents stated Cannon accepted cash payments in exchange for access to city officials. That included taking a $20,000 cash bribe inside the mayor’s office.
Cannon is expected to have a court hearing Tuesday.
Cannon’s attorney James Ferguson said he won’t have any comment Monday.
