Convicted mayor of Hartford, Conn., says he will submit resignation letter Friday

Hartford mayor to submit resignation Friday

HARTFORD, Conn. — The mayor of Hartford, Conn., says he will submit his resignation Friday, a week after he was convicted on five corruption charges.

Mayor Eddie Perez says in a statement Tuesday that his resignation will take effect when he and the City Council agree on a date “to allow for a smooth transition.”

Perez faces up to 60 years in prison after being convicted of extortion, accepting a bribe and other charges. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 10.

He says he is truly sorry for the mistakes he made that have harmed Hartford.

Perez had already said he would step down. City Council President Pedro Segarra will become acting mayor until the next municipal election in November 2011.