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CHARLOTTE, NC — Court sketches show Patrick Cannon standing between his two attorneys as he faced a federal judge Tuesday.
The ex-mayor dropped his head as he heard his fate: 44 months in federal prison for corruption charges.
His wife sat still beside dozens of family members who packed into the courtroom.
Some hung their heads when they heard the sentence.
For more than three hours, they heard from witnesses asking the judge for mercy on Cannon’s behalf.
His childhood teacher and family friend, Dr. Mildred Wright, wiped tears with a handkerchief when she recalled to the judge the day Cannon showed up at her home after his arrest last March.
She said, “He cried and said, ‘I’m sorry. I’m sorry.'”
That remorse was a running theme throughout the hearing.
During a 10-minute break, family members hugged Cannon. His eyes showed an unforgettable look. His brow was furrowed, an expression he held later when he spoke to the judge saying in part, “I let a lot of people down, people’s trust that I solicited… in the only place I’ve ever called home.”
He said, “I still see, feel, and regret that day.”
His voice sounded sincere when he asked the judge to keep his young children in mind.
His wife walked out without Cannon, barricaded by family, hesitant to leave the courtroom in front of media. Cannon couldn’t avoid that, telling reporters he hopes the City of Charlotte is forgiving.
