RFP Staff
♦ This afternoon several Charlotte TV stations are reporting that Charlotte Mayor Patrick Cannon, 47, a Democrat, was arrested by FBI agents on Federal public corruption charges after a 4 year investigation. The arrest was announced by Anne M. Tompkins, U.S. Attorney for the Western District of North Carolina. Cannon, the object of an FBI sting operation, was charged with theft and bribery. The Mayor became the focus of an investigation based on a whistleblower’s tip, alleging that Cannon was involved in illegal activities. The investigation began in August 2010. It’s alleged that Cannon solicited and accepted cash bribes and other valuable items from undercover FBI agents, posing as commercial real estate developers and investors desiring to do business in Charlotte. Its said that Cannon took bribes 5 times from undercover agents. His final bribe was said to be $20,000 on February 21st while in the Mayor’s office.
Mr. Cannon is currently out on bond after being released by the court. This story will be updated as more information becomes available.
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