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CHARLOTTE, N.C. – The day got off to a shaky start for ex-Charlotte Mayor Patrick Cannon. Scheduled to appear before a federal judge at 9 AM, Cannon didn’t walk in until 9:10. His attorney James Ferguson took responsibility, saying he got misinformation about the start time.
Cannon’s attorneys presented two witnesses. The first was Dr. Mildred Wright, a woman who’s known Cannon since he was a newborn and taught him in class as well as Sunday school. She said tearfully, in part, “His remorse is real.” And, “Patrick doesn’t know how he got here.” The other witness was former Panthers player Leonard Wheeler, who spoke via video. Wheeler, a long time friend of Cannon’s, talked about his commitment to family.Β
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Then Cannon’s attorneys spoke, arguing that his corrupt behavior was an aberration, that “No man or woman is to be judged by the worst act they committed, but rather the totality of their life.”
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Cannon himself then addressed the court and said in part, “I am sorry for the shame I brought onto myself, my family and the city.” The “last months have been the worst of my entire life.” And, “I was proud to be a role model for my children. I feared my heart would give out when I had to tell them Dad had sinned.”
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“I absolutely believe that he is sorry, like many people who are caught in their crimes,” says U.S. Attorney Anne Thompkins. Her team says says Cannon cooperated with investigators but “no information he provided moved the ball forward in a criminal investigation.” She reiterated, “The investigation is ongoing.”Β
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After a detailed explanation, Judge Frank Whitney said “This court must send a message” and sentenced Cannon to 44 months behind bars. Cannon walked out of court, seemingly annoyed when reporters asked him what he’d like to tell the same public who elected him into office repeatedly over the years. When WCCB Charlotte’s Courtney Francisco asked him if she could ask him a question, he replied testily, “You gotta lotta questions you asking right now, right?”Β
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Moments later, he added only this before stepping into a waiting vehicle: “(I) just hope the community will be forgiving of my actions. Thank you.”Β
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Cannon will get a letter from the Bureau of Prisons on where and when to report. Cannon will also undergo a mental health evaluation for alcohol abuse.Β
