Hartford mayor submits resignation after corruption convictions; council president taking over

Convicted Hartford mayor submits resignation

HARTFORD, Conn. — The mayor of Hartford, Conn., has resigned, one week after being convicted in a political corruption case.

Eddie Perez’s chief of staff delivered his letter of resignation to City Hall on Friday.

It says he’s stepping down immediately. He says he hopes residents will forgive him for what he called “mistakes I made that have harmed the reputation of the city I love.”

City Council President Pedro Segarra was sworn in as mayor later Friday.

Perez faces up to 60 years in prison after being convicted of extortion, accepting a bribe and other charges. He had already said he would step down.

Perez denies the allegations and says he will appeal. Sentencing is set for Sept. 10.