MORGANTOWN, WV — Ex-Charlotte mayor Patrick Cannon spent his first night as a federal prison inmate Tuesday night. Β Patrick Cannon arrived at the prison just after 11:30am Tuesday.
First steps on federal prison property, and ex-mayor Patrick Cannon doesn’t look up. Β No family hugs; he said his goodbyes at the West Virginia hotel. Β WCCB waited since daybreak for him to turn himself in. Β Before noon, he got out of the car, and quickly got out of the spotlight.
Tuesday marked the final chapter of an eight-month embarrassment after he accepted more than $50,000 from FBI agents posing as real estate investors who wanted to do business in Charlotte.
“If you needed to serve time, that was the place to serve it,” said neighbor to the facility Scott Brode. Β Cannon is now one of 1,100 inmates who live next to Brode. Β The minimum security facility has no guards outside or in towers, with only a short fence circling.
Neighbors who know people who work at the prison tell us that prisoners will sneak out through the trees when guards aren’t looking and collect contraband like cigarettes or alcohol that people have left behind for them.
The Warden wouldn’t answer questions or confirm whether the inmates have been caught in the temporary escape, or if he thinks it’s true.
“My brother-in-law worked there, and he didn’t even carry a gun. Β He just carried a little beeper,” said one neighbor.
Cannon promised the judge in his second hearing, after he voted as a felon, that he plans to follow the rules from now on. Β Inside, he plans to attend an alcohol abuse program, and his probation officer says he will get a halfway house placement at some point toward the end of his sentence.
For now, he’ll have access to a movie theater, library and email. Β He can work jobs that pay for small items in the commissary.
“God willing, I’ll see you all on the back end,” said Cannon. Β His last message to the community through Facebook: Redemption. Β He walked in, perhaps starting that process, but clearly not in a place he’ll call home.
Cannon is supposed to spend 44 months at the Morgantown FCI, though the prison handbook does say there are opportunities for inmates to leave. Β We will keep you posted as events develop.
