CHARLOTTE, N.C. — The sentencing of former Mayor Patrick Cannon will take place on Tuesday and supporters are lobbying the judge for leniency.
Judge Frank Whitney will hear from the prosecution and defense, before ultimately deciding Cannon’s fate, as well as hear testimony from character witnesses and letters written on Cannon’s behalf. Though disappointed and upset with Cannon, those asked to testify or write say that the good Cannon has done should not be overlooked.
Harvey Gantt, Charlotte’s first African-American Mayor, speaking to the Charlotte Observer said of Cannon, “He’s done a lot of good,” and continued, “A lot of people feel Patrick had a positive impact on their lives and on the community – and I think so, too.”
“He was brought forward to show kids from the inner city that if he could do it, you can do it, too,” said former county commissioner Norman Mitchell to The Observer. Mitchell was also asked to write Judge Whitney on Cannon’s behalf. “People that he helped in this community will never forget what he did.”
Cannon was arrested on March 26, after accepting an illegal payoff from undercover agents. Cannon entered a guilty plea in June to accepting seven bribes that totaled $50,500 from January 2013 until February 2014. The government investigation also alleges that Cannon solicited $1.2 million in bribes from undercover agents.
Prosecutor’s promised not to ask for more than a four to five year prison sentence, out of a 20 year maximum, as part of Cannon’s plea agreement. Judge Whitney is not bound by the plea agreement however.
