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HARTFORD, Conn. — A one-time gang leader who escaped an impoverished childhood to become Hartford’s first Latino mayor said Friday that he would step down after being convicted of five corruption charges, including taking a bribe and attempted extortion.
“I have decided that it is not in the best interests of the city and my family for me to continue my duties as mayor during the appeal of my case,” Eddie Perez said in a statement.
Perez, who had insisted on his innocence and vowed to clear his name, faces up to 60 years in prison, with each of the five counts carrying a minimum of one year in jail. The six-person Hartford Superior Court jury acquitted him of one count of tampering with evidence. Sentencing is scheduled for Sept. 10.
