A look back: Mayor Patrick Cannon's path from scandal to second chances
Stories by Charlotte Observer journalists, with AI summarization
Patrick Cannon's journey from disgrace to redemption stands out in Charlotte's political history.
After his 2014 conviction for taking bribes from undercover FBI agents and serving time in federal prison, Cannon acknowledged his wrongdoing on his radio show, "At the Table with Cannon." He used this platform to publicly apologize and reconnect with the community.
Cannon's return to public life included advising aspiring politicians at forums and voicing support for colleagues' campaigns. Ultimately, he filed to run for City Council, telling voters he takes responsibility for his actions and wants a second chance to serve Charlotte.
His campaign raises questions about trust, forgiveness, and the challenges of earning redemption in public service.
On Wednesday, Patrick Cannon is scheduled to become a free man. | Published January 24, 2017 | Read Full Story
Former Charlotte Mayor Patrick Cannon has a new talk-show job. | Published April 12, 2017 | Read Full Story
Former Charlotte mayor Patrick Cannon apologized profusely on his new radio show for taking the bribes that sent him to federal prison.Cannon, 50, was arrested in March 2014, four months into his term, and later pleaded guilty to taking about $50,000 in bribes from federal undercover officers. | Published April 17, 2017 | Read Full Story
Former Charlotte Mayor Patrick Cannon, in his first public appearance since being released from federal prison on corruption charges, said Saturday he is focused on being the 'best father, husband and son he can be' – but didn't rule out running for office again.'Anything else is God's will,' Cannon said.Cannon, a Democrat, was part of a forum held by the Black Political Caucus for people considering running for public office. | Published May 13, 2017 | Read Full Story
Needing a voice over for a campaign radio ad, at-large City Council member Claire Fallon turned to an old colleague: | Published September 14, 2017 | Read Full Story by Steve Harrison
When he was convicted, a judge foretold Patrick Cannon's name ought to 'fade into our distant memories' — but this election season may change that. | Published March 4, 2022 | Read Full Story by Will Wright
The former mayor is returning to Charlotte politics with a bid for City Council. | Published March 4, 2022 | Read Full Story by Anna Douglas
The disgraced former mayor is hoping to make a political comeback. | Editorial | Published March 14, 2022 | Read Full Story by the Editorial Board
Patrick Cannon's comments came during a forum with other candidates running for City Council. | Published April 2, 2022 | Read Full Story by Will Wright
Find out who's on the ballot and what they stand for. This Q&A is one in a series for The Charlotte Observer's voter guide to 2022 local, county and state elections. | Published April 22, 2022 | Read Full Story
The summary above was drafted with the help of AI tools and edited by journalists in our News division. All stories listed were reported, written and edited by McClatchy journalists.
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