Hartford Mayor Eddie Perez was found guilty on five out of six charges - accessory to fabrication of evidence, conspiracy to commit first degree larceny by extortion, conspiracy to fabricate evidence, criminal attempt to commit first-degree larceny by extortion, and receiving a bribe - by a jury at the Hartford Superior Court. He was found not guilty on fabricating evidence. Sentencing is scheduled for September 10. Mayor Perez said he was going to appeal the verdict.
"Today’s verdict was a tremendous disappointment to me and my family. Anyone who has followed my forty year career of public service knows that I have never placed personal financial gain before the needs of my community or my city. I have been overwhelmed by the outpouring of support I have received from the residents of the City of Hartford during this difficult period. I am truly sorry for any actions that may have harmed the image and reputation of our community," said Mr. Perez in a statement.
"I intend to appeal today’s verdict. I believe that under further review by the courts, today’s decision will be overturned," said Mr. Perez.
Eddie Perez had been charged with accepting a $40,000 bribe in the form of home improvements from city contractor Carlos Costa and trying to extort $100,000 for Abraham Giles, a political ally, from Hartford's North End in 2007 when the mayoral election took place. According to Prosecutor Michael Gailor, Mr. Costa needed the mayor's help in retaining a $5.3 million recontruction project on Park Street, a job plagued by delays and shoddy work, the Hartford Courant reported.
